War affected every section of society, not just the military. More food needed to be produced and, as men were recruited into the armed services, there were fewer hands to do the work. At the same time, farmers were being pressed to convert more land to arable from pasture. Women had always been involved in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, but now their contribution was critical…

This exhibition will explore the practicalities of how the Women’s Land Army was organised, the key figures involved and some of the challenges that were encountered along the way. Despite the misgivings, and sometimes the hostility, of politicians, civil servants, landowners, farmers, trade unions and foresters, who doubted that women would be able to undertake the range of farm work, and very often failed to give Women’s Land Army leaders and volunteers the credit and recognition they, the women of ‘the Cinderella service’, deserved.

Chair of Arundel Museum, David Shilston said “we are delighted to be working with Dr. John Godfrey DL on this exhibition. His research has been invaluable in shining a light on the work of the Women’s Land Army in Sussex, its contribution to the War effort and keeping Britain fed”.