Joan Allan (née Gaskell)

Joan Gaskell on her 19th birthday in Blackpool, just after the end of the Second World War.

General Information

First Name(s): Joan

Unmarried Surname: Gaskell

Married Surname: Allan

Date of Birth: 19.5.1926

Place of Birth: Bamber Bridge, Lancashire

Date joined WLA: 16.5.1944

Date left WLA: 11.4.1947

WLA number: 145926

Previous occupation: Clerk in a Ministry of Food Office.

Family’s reaction to joining: At first her mother prevented her from joining, but then she died.

Reasons for leaving: I think she was no longer required.

Joan Gaskell. Photograph taken probably soon after enrolling into the WLA.

Employment & Accommodation

Worked for private farmers in Cumberland. Undertook most types of farmwork. Lived in Wetheral Hostel, Causewayhead Hostel, Silloth. Later stayed in a private billet at 60 Wampool Street, Silloth.

Any accidents or injuries: A horse stood on her foot, but it was on soft ground, so no permanent problems.

“Taken at the Machinery Demonstration, Friday 13th April with 5 “Geordies” and the labour officer
Mary, Elsie, Nancy, Audrey, Mr Johnson & Dorothy.”
Joan Gaskell is sat on the front right.

“The semi-finals hoeing competition held at Cockermouth 1945.
Front Row. L to R Kay, Elsie (me). ? ? Back Row. Jenny, Esther, Mary Elizabeth & Anne.”

One of Joan Gaskell’s friends, Barbara, from Halifax. They kept in touch long after the end of the war.

A fellow Land Girl who worked with Joan. After the war, Joan kept in touch with this Land Girl who lived in Gargrave.

Life after the war

Returned to pre-war occupation as a clerk, this time in a corn mill.

How did work in the WLA effect their life? She met her future husband whilst at Silloth. I do know that she enjoyed her time in the WLA. She was invited to Buckingham Palace on 21.10.2009.