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.
Joan on horseback.
Joan on horseback.
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.

Joan Gaskell on holiday in Torquay after the end of the Second World War.
Joan Gaskell (far right) with fellow Land Girls on holiday in Torquay after the end of the Second World War.
Joan Gaskell sat on a wall, somewhere in the Lake District.

Contributor Information

Name: Alastair Allan

Relationship to Land Girl: Son

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