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.
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.
Mary, Elsie, Nancy, Audrey, Mr Johnson & Dorothy.”
Joan Gaskell is sat on the front right.
Front Row. L to R Kay, Elsie (me). ? ? Back Row. Jenny, Esther, Mary Elizabeth & Anne.”
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.
Contributor Information
Name: Alastair Allan
Relationship to Land Girl: Son
