Betty Boyfield (née Walters)
General Information
First Name(s): Betty
Unmarried Surname: Walters
Married Surname: Boyfield
Date of Birth: 26th February 1926
Place of Birth: Grassmoor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Date joined the WLA: Unknown.
Date left the WLA: c.13-02-1949 (date of marriage)
WLA number: 135379
Previous occupation: Housekeeper.
Reasons for joining: To serve and for the freedom from low paid jobs in service.
Family’s reaction to joining: Unknown but given money from salary was sent regularily we can presume it was positive.
Treatment by farmers or market gardeners: Generally good.
Reasons for leaving: Marriage in February 1949.
Employment
Worked in Manton, and possibly Wymondham, Rutland. Lived in a hostel in Manton, Rutland (possibly previously in Wymondham).
Photo evidence of driving a tractor.
Any names of other Land Girls / Lumber Jills or others you worked or shared accommodation with: Erica (surname unknown) & Roma Hibbert (married surname?)
Work liked most and least: Caring for farm animals, enjoyed harvesting but hated rats and often told the story of killing 36 in one day with a pitchfork.
Best and worst memories of time: Best – fondness for one of the farmers worked for, seeing the crops growing and the animals in the fields, making friends – two of whom contact was maintained to some degree for many years. Worse – winter of 1947? Very high snowfall making work very difficult. Delivering milk was mentioned and there is a photo showing high snow level.
Opportunities to meet other Land Girls: Organised dances mentioned: at local air bases & possibly at Wymondham.
Life after the war
What was their post-war occupation? No paid employment, housewife.
How did work in the WLA effect their life? It was something always recalled with fondness for the camaraderie, the useful and fulfilling work, working in the countryside and with animals. Ultimately a sense of fulfilment which was a highlight of her life.
Any other comments: Betty Walters was always happy to reminisce about her time in the Land Army – a time of freedom and yet being of service to her country, alongside Land Army comrades, with farmers and prisoners of war. Growing food and caring for animals. She relished the hard physical work involved and retained a lifelong love for farming & the countryside and appreciation of it.
Contributor Information
Jane Oldfield, daughter.
