Olive French (née Heath)
General Information
First Name(s): Olive
Unmarried Surname: Heath
Married Surname: French
Date of Birth: 2.7.1929
Place of Birth: Lewes, East Sussex
Date Joined WLA: 20.7.1946
Date Left WLA: 30.11.1950
WLA Number: 174200
Previous occupation: Nursemaid
Reasons for joining: I wanted to do my bit.
Family’s reaction to joining: Wished me luck.
Best and worst memories of time: Early mornings
Reactions of local people: Very good.
Reasons for leaving: Got married
Employment
Training in dairy work and general farming.
Worked in diary farming for private farmer, Mr S Wenham, Mrs K Wenham, and Miss B Wenham at Dittons Farm, Polegate, East Sussex.
Accommodation
Lived in a private billet with Mrs E Downs & Family, with family next door to the farm.
Life after the war
Stayed on the land for 2 more years.
How did work in the WLA / WTC effect your/ their life? I married the lad next door to my lodgings. I made many good friends. I loved the work.
Other information
Shared Land Girl experiences with BBC 2 Culture Show, Brighton Museum, and the film The Forgotten Army
Contributor Information
Name: Olive French
