Latest news with #Women'sLandArmy
Metro
08-05-2025
- General
- Metro
I ate like a Land Girl for a week to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Middlesex, February 1944, 5am: It was dark and pouring with rain, as Connie, an 18-year-old Land Girl, climbed onto her heavy bike and pedalled the two miles to her local farm. She was exhausted. After a year of being in the Women's Land Army (WLA), her back constantly ached, and she'd had to work in all weathers, often with bombs exploding in the near distance. But she was proud of what she did. While the men were away fighting, Connie and thousands of Land Girls were bearing a battle of their own: to keep Britain alive, one muddy potato at a time. 'I wanted to join the armed forces, but my dad wouldn't let me,' Connie, now 100, tells Metro. 'He knew what the girls in the army got up to and he didn't want me getting distracted by men. I could have gone to work in an ammunition factory. But I liked the outdoors, so I chose the Land Army instead.' Despite the mental and physical toll, Connie still holds fond memories from her work in the WLA. As well as being where she met lifelong friend Mary, who has since passed away, she also found a sense of confidence and independence she'd never experienced. 'There were no men around to ask me out, but I didn't mind too much,' she jokes. 'Women liberated themselves in the war. We did what we wanted. And it gave us a taste of freedom we hadn't felt before.' Unbeknown to many, the Women's Land Army was originally formed in World War I. However, it was after its re-introduction in June 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, that the fondly-named Land Girls are best remembered. Farmhands were joining up to fight, leaving behind a shortage of agricultural labour, and the Government feared that conflict could lead to major food scarcity. 'Until then, Britain had imported around 70% of its food,' leading WLA historian, Dr Cherish Watton-Colbrook, tells Metro. 'By the end, we were 70% self-sufficient. That shift was extraordinary – and Land Girls made it happen.' With imports threatened by German blockades and farmland being reclaimed, thousands of women stepped into overalls and onto the fields. 'They were thrown in at the deep end with little to no training,' Dr Watton continues. 'Some, who'd moved from urban cities, hadn't even seen a cow before, and suddenly they were learning how to drive tractors, milk cows by hand, plant vegetables, and dig for hours in the frozen soil.' The days were long, up at 5am and often working until dusk. Time off was also a rare occurrence, with most Land Girls only entitled to one week off a year. So how did they keep going? 'During World War II, the average British civilian's diet was heavily shaped by rationing, which was introduced in 1940 to ensure fair distribution of food and other essentials,' says WWII rationing expert and recipe historian Carolyn Ekin. As she explains, the Government played a 'massive and highly organised role' in the wartime food scheme. Every person received a ration book to track and manage how much of certain goods they bought, while public education became a key strategy. Through the Ministry of Food, the Government issued campaigns, recipe booklets and radio cooking shows such as The Kitchen Front, all of which helped families stretch every ounce of leftovers. 'While food was scarce and portions were small, calorie intake was generally adequate, and nutrition actually improved for many,' Carolyn tells Metro. But for Land Girls in particular, rationing wasn't just survival – it was fuel for the front line of farming. As such, they received 'special rations', including extra cheese, bacon and sometimes eggs. As a sheltered member of Gen Z, I'll be the first to admit that I wouldn't last a day doing what the Land Girls did. I don't have the strength, stamina, or grit required to wake at 5am, haul buckets in the snow, and carry on with barely a day's rest. But I am fascinated by food: what we eat, why we eat it, and what it says about us. So, I decided to experience a slice of the Land Girls' world through their diet. To prepare, I tracked down an original wartime ration book on eBay. It once belonged to a woman named Beryl from Wolverhampton, and as I fingered its yellowed pages, the challenge suddenly felt real. Building a five-day meal plan, I combed through vintage cookbooks, sought expert advice, and immersed myself in the diary of Doreen Peskett (courtesy of West Sussex Record Office), a Land Girl from Horsham who meticulously documented her daily life. Here's how my week went… Breakfast – Doreen's fry-up On Monday, April 8, 1940, Doreen writes: 'Got down to milk the cows by quarter to six with the sun just rising behind the cow shed wall with no clouds in the sky. Did three cows this morning (or was it four?) and the washing up and then went up to breakfast about 9 o'clock. Had porridge, fried bread and sausages and toast and tea.' Rather than my usual cereal and berries, I made a version of Doreen's breakfast (minus the porridge), grilling Lincolnshire sausages, black pudding and tomatoes. It was so filling, made all the richer by the bread, fried in beef dripping. I could understand why it would have been an ideal breakfast for Doreen and her fellow Land Girls. I was certainly raring to go by the time I'd cleared my plate. Lunch – Mock banana sandwiches on wholemeal bread Brits throw away 3.2 billion bananas each year – 115 per household – according to research by Aldi. It's a shocking figure as it is, but even more so when you consider how far people in the war would have gone to get their hands on the tropical fruit. Pre WWII, bananas were already seen as a real treat, but on November 9, 1940, UK Minister of Food Lord Woolton ordered a complete ban on banana imports for the duration of the conflict, in order to use the refrigerated ships they were transported on for the war effort. Soon enough, people were going bananas for the yellow fruit. Plaintive songs were even written about its absence, including Harry Roy's absolute classic 'When Can I Have a Banana Again?'. And so, it was down to the genius wartime cooks to come up with a substitute recipe: three teaspoons of caster sugar, two drops banana essence and one mashed up, boiled parsnip. I was ready to gag as I took a tentative bite of the sandwich. But to my amazement, it wasn't bad at all. The texture was just like banana, and although the flavour was a little synthetic – like a banana milkshake with subtle undertones of parsnip – I was pretty impressed and finished the whole round of sandwiches. Tea – Carrot cookies Remember your nan telling you 'carrots will help you see in the dark'? Well, she was actually parroting World War II propaganda. To prevent the Germans from finding out Britain was using radar to intercept bombers on night raids, the Government issued press releases claiming the allied pilots' improved night vision was all down to eating carrots. Of course, carrots do contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A – a key nutrient for boosting eye health. However, the Ministry of Food definitely stretched the truth. They also created Dr Carrot, a bright orange cartoon character who encouraged people to eat more vegetables to stay healthy during rationing. With sugar heavily rationed, parents were told to get creative and give their children raw carrots on sticks, as if they were ice creams or lollipops, alongside substituting the root vegetable as a sweetener for desserts. Inspired, I dug out an old recipe for cookies by wartime cook Marguerite Patten – and what a find! They were delightfully simple: just a dab of butter and sugar creamed together, with a splash of vanilla, a scoop of flour and baking powder, and then the star ingredient; four tablespoons of grated carrot. Baked in a brisk oven until golden brown, these little wartime wonders turned out crisp on the outside and soft within. They tasted more like vanilla biscuits than carrot cake – sweet and moist, thanks to the clever veggie addition. My only complaint? Wartime cookies were tiny compared to today's chunky treats! Dinner – Homity pie with cabbage Legend has it the Land Girls whipped up this hearty pie, tossing together what ingredients they had, including a filling of potatoes, onion and cheese, encased in shortcrust pastry. The exact original recipe has been lost in time. But with the help of my trusty experts, I cobbled together a version that felt true to its roots. It was humble fare at its best, rich with the sweet bite of onion – and so satisfyingly dense, I was bursting out of my jeans! Breakfast – Porridge made with water and dried fruit (not as tasty as Doreen's fry-up) Lunch – Cold homity pie Tea – Two carrot cookies and an apple Dinner – Bubble and squeak Bubble and squeak was a common wartime dish, and a clever way of using up leftover vegetables like potatoes and cabbage. To jazz things up a bit, I topped mine with a fried egg. It was simple but surprisingly tasty. Breakfast – Dripping on toast and apple Lunch – Cold homity pie Tea – Carrot cookies and dried fruit Dinner – Tomato Veranese This dish – from The Women's Land Army Variety in Cooking book (a charity cookbook by the Land Girls themselves) – was the ultimate comfort food: a wholesome pasta bake made by layering beef tomatoes, tender macaroni, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. After baking in the oven, it came out bubbling and delicious. Breakfast – Porridge and dried fruit Lunch – Tomato and boiled egg sandwiches I wasn't a fan of this sandwich, but I reckon Doreen would have been. On Wednesday, June 26, 1940, she writes: 'After a while I went along the main shopping road to Marks and Spencer's etc and got some tomatoes which make all the difference to the very dull tea of bread and butter. I also had a boiled egg which is a luxury.' Tea – Ration chocolate In 1941, the British Government banned fresh milk in chocolate production, forcing manufacturers like Cadbury's to create 'ration chocolate' using skimmed milk powder instead. Being a chocoholic, I had to try it, so I bought some authentic, wartime-inspired chocolate bar from the RAF Museum. I assumed the milk powder would make it crumbly and not very sweet, but it was surprisingly creamy. Dinner – Chicken fricassee During rationing, farmers had to seek permission to slaughter animals for food consumption, but if the animal was injured, it could be put down to end its suffering. Conveniently, many sheep and pigs seem to fall down holes around birthdays and other family celebrations. On Christmas Eve in 1943, Doreen describes a meat feast, writing: 'We nearly killed ourselves with laughing. Up to Wednesday there wasn't anything to have apart from ordinary meat and then Ma got hold of two rabbits and a goose. She said (to me), 'now if Doreen comes home with a chicken, it would just cap it all!'' I didn't fancy rabbit or goose, so I made a chicken fricassee instead from the WLA cookbook. The meat was succulent in a smooth, garlicky sauce with mashed potato, spinach, and peas. Yum. Breakfast – Porridge and dried fruit Lunch – Homemade apple jam sandwiches I absolutely loved this. It wasn't sweet like the strawberry jam we have today – it was slightly tangy with a hint of cinnamon. Tea – Chocolate fridge cake This recipe from the WLA cookbook would have been a real treat to the Land Girls, and certainly was for me after a week of very little sugar. It was divinely rich with dark chocolate, crushed digestive biscuits and golden syrup. More Trending Dinner – Spam hash with spinach Fun fact: over 100 million pounds of Spam was shipped from America to Great Britain and the other allies during the war. So, channelling wartime grit, I finally tackled making a Spam hash. I was dreading it, but although a bit spongy, the canned meat was bearable. Overall, I enjoyed making all the dishes. While they were a little carb-heavy for my desk-bound lifestyle (it's a wonder I don't look like Mrs Potato Head right now) I can see such food was vital fuel for the Land Girls. Ultimately though, I found it inspiring to step into the shoes of these extraordinary women, and it was an honour to be able to interview former Land Girl Connie. View More » This article was first published on May 5, 2025. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The beautiful game in wartime: How football unified and thrived during World War II MORE: How Victory in Europe gave women the first taste of a treat normally reserved for men MORE: VE Day 1945 as it happened: Celebrations as world heard of Germany's surrender
The Courier
08-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
VE Day: Colourised pictures show Dundee in Second World War
Windows lit up, bonfires raged, fireworks exploded and torches shone into the sky for the fun of it on May 8 1945. Local people sang and danced into the night. The bright flames and friendliness seemed a fitting end to blackout and anxiety. The darkness cast by Hitler's long shadow was lifted. These images provide a glimpse of what life was like during the Second World War. The black and white photographs from DC Thomson's archives have been colourised using advanced AI technology to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. They show the conflict the way our ancestors would have seen it. What happened when Second World War was declared? On September 1 1939, Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, on September 3, Britain declared war. Pillbox air raid shelters at Dundee harbour in 1939. Image: DC Thomson. Nobody knew what to expect of a dangerously uncertain future. The start of the First World War was only a quarter of a century old in their memories. It was fought in trenches on the front. Now, homes and communities were the battleground. There was a mass exodus of children from Dundee to safety in the countryside. Waste paper sorting in 1941. Image: DC Thomson. An effort that was well organised was the collection of waste paper. It was repurposed for packaging munitions and producing government pamphlets. Buildings were sandbagged by volunteers. Shops sold heavy curtaining and thick brown paper to paste on window glass. Concrete shelters sprouted all over the place while lamp-posts and trees had white bands painted on them, so that people wouldn't bump into them in the dark. Lord Provost Garnet Wilson inspects the Women's Land Army in 1940. Image: DC Thomson. Dundee was a submarine base in the Second World War. Boats from the Royal Navy, the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Free French and the Polish Navy were all based at the Stannergate. There were 128 air raid sirens in Dundee during Second World War Swarms of German planes patrolled across the region. There was significant bombing in Dundee and around Angus. One landed at the junction of Nesbitt Street and Dalkeith Road in September 1940. The site of the Nesbitt Street and Dalkeith Road bombing. Image: DC Thomson. The Royal Observer Corps (ROC) were the eyes and ears of the RAF. They monitored the skies for enemy planes. Dundee had a reported 128 air raid sirens during the war years. November 4 and 5, 1940 saw two quite heavy raids. Dundee's worst incident happened on Bonfire Night when a stick of four bombs crashed through a four-storey tenement in Rosefield Street. Robert Coventry and Mary Ann Laing were killed. 1230 Squadron ATC on parade in Dundee in 1942. Image: DC Thomson. In Angus, up to 400 bombs of varying calibre were dropped during 1939 and 1945. Montrose and its surrounding area was hardest hit. In Carnoustie a German plane was brought down in August 1940. Thousands of people headed to City Square Emergency training exercises took place to prepare for the unthinkable. Some were organised by the Second World War Civil Defence First Aid Party (FAP). The war lasted for six years. First aid drill taking place in 1942. Image: DC Thomson. The summers of 1940 and 1944 saw the most Dundee casualties. With a year of the war still to go, adverts appeared in the Evening Telegraph encouraging people to 'lend all you've got' for soldiers fighting around the world. It was hoped the people of Scotland would raise £700,000. It couldn't last forever. Air Raid Precautions (ARP) workers on fire drill in 1943. Image: DC Thomson. German armed forces surrendered unconditionally on May 7. Winston Churchill declared a national holiday to be celebrated the following day. Bell ringers helped Dundee ring in the new era of peace at St Paul's Cathedral. Not everyone was happy. The Courier said there was confusion over which day was a public holiday. There was 'chaos at mills, factories, shops and offices' as hundreds of people who turned up at their place of employment found they had to go home again. Women who went to the post office to collect their allowance found the gates up. Thousands thronged City Square on VE Day, many wearing victory rosettes. Red, white and blue frocks were seen in the streets. In the afternoon the Polish Military Band played on despite heavy rain. When the skies cleared the young people returned for dancing. The steps at the front of the Caird Hall were packed. They danced to the accompaniment of the City of Dundee Pipe Band. There was a party at the YMCA in Dundee to celebrate VE Day Fireworks were set off. The dancers continued until the wee small hours. Elsewhere, bonfires were blazing at Kemback Street and Lilybank Road. Fireworks were going off 'here, there and everywhere'. Dundee with flags flying in May 1945. Image: DC Thomson. Dundee was a city of flags and bunting. Railings in the Perth Road were painted red, white and blue. There were numerous special gatherings indoors. Pubs were busy and dance halls were packed. Schools closed and churches opened for thanksgiving. All meals were free at the YMCA where a party was held in the evening. What happened across Tayside and Fife? Meanwhile, most shops in Perth closed on VE Day. There was a rush to 'procure the household necessities for the celebrations'. A scene at the dock in Dundee in 1945. Image: DC Thomson. There was a grand procession with two pipe bands parading, bonfires lit up the Inches, buildings were floodlit and the dancing continued long into the night. In Dunfermline, a large crowd gathered round a pipe band in the High Street and followed it in procession to Pittencrieff Park where they enjoyed dancing. In Kirriemuir the bell from Barony Church steeple rang at 15-minute intervals. The steeple and church bells rang simultaneously in Montrose. In Arbroath there was dancing in Hill Place to music from the Legion Pipe Band. Enjoying peace in Dundee in 1945. Image: DC Thomson. In Carnoustie we reported that 90% of people wore red, white and blue rosettes. Forfar Pipe Band played in the Angus town's High Street in the afternoon and evening. In Errol the minister conducted an open air service. Amplifiers were attached to the organ and the singing was relayed to large crowds. In East Neuk there was outdoor and indoor dancing. And in Cupar the victory spirit was apparent in the sheriff court where the sheriff admitted he was feeling tender-hearted. He imposed 'modified fines when and wherever possible'. A ship at Victoria Dock in 1945. Image: DC Thomson. All surviving German U-Boats were surrendered. Dundee dock became a centre of activity for processing crews that surrendered. There was more dancing in August 1945 VE Day was not the end of the Second World War. Fighting continued in the Pacific against Japan until VJ Day on August 15 1945. A U-boat surrender at Dundee docks in May 1945. Image: DC Thomson. There were celebrations across Tayside and Fife when the end of the conflict arrived. Arbroath decided to illuminate public buildings, ring church bells and sound sirens. Bonfires were lit at the High Common and at Springfield Park. There was open air dancing. Highland dancing on VJ Day. Image: DC Thomson. In Dundee, several public buildings were also lit up. During the afternoon and evenings, bands played in the City Square. There was Scottish dancing on a specially constructed stage. VJ Day dancing in City Square. Image: DC Thomson. Huge crowds gathered. They danced with a sense of joy and relief. At last – it was over. ALL IMAGES IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT OF DC THOMSON AND HAVE BEEN COLOURED USING ADVANCED AI. COLOUR REPRODUCTION MAY NOT BE 100% AUTHENTIC. UNAUTHORISED REPRODUCTION IS NOT PERMITTED.
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Daughter of World War II heroine attends Powys VE Day event
THE daughter of a World War II heroine executed by the Nazis officially unveiled a memorial in the Powys village where she lives last weekend, as celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day got underway. Violette Szabo was a British-French secret agent, recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent during the war, having initially joined the Women's Land Army and later enlisting in the Auxiliary Territorial Service – the women's branch of the British Army during World War II. On just her second mission into occupied France, Violette was captured by the German army, interrogated, tortured and deported to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she was executed, aged just 23. She was a posthumous recipient of the George Cross. Tania Szabo, born to Violette and her French husband Etienne on June 8, 1942, has called the village of Cilmery, near Builth Wells, home for some years; and it was here that she unveiled a bench last weekend, honouring the last native Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, who was killed near the village, and which houses a monument to him. The unveiling of the bench was part of a day of celebration at Cilmery's Prince Llewelyn Inn on Sunday, May 4, with the pub hosting a commemorative event celebrating 80 years since VE Day. Refreshments and a buffet was provided by the pub's landlords, Julie and Adrian Beach, along with entertainment for children and rousing 1940's music. Members of Cilmery Community Council unveiled the 'Cilmery Bench', which sits just across the road from the pub. It was finely crafted by local blacksmith Kevin Preece, with thanks extended to Jewsons for supplying the materials. The bench is engraved with ' Llywelyn ap Gruffydd ' and an outline of the village monument to celebrate Llywelyn's connection to Cilmery. To complete the VE Day Commemorations, Tania recalled the heroic contribution that her late mother made to the Allied effort during World War II. Violette, as an SOE agent, went into France on June 7, 1944, on just her second mission, but was captured only three days later. She, along with two other SOE agents, Denise Block and Lilian Rolfe, was executed on February 5, 1945. After she and Etienne were married, Violette became a switchboard operator for the General Post Office in central London, working throughout the Blitz. However, bored by the job, she enlisted in the ATS in September 1941. She was stationed in Cheshire but returned to London in early 1942 when she learned she was pregnant. After giving birth to Tania, she sent her daughter to childminders while she worked at an aircraft factory. Étienne was killed in action on October 24, 1942, having never seen his daughter. It was Étienne's death that made Violette accept an offer to train as a field agent in the SOE, as she saw this as her best way of fighting the enemy.
Metro
05-05-2025
- General
- Metro
I ate like a Land Girl for a week to see if it helped me muster the Blitz spirit
Middlesex, February 1944, 5am: It was dark and pouring with rain, as Connie, an 18-year-old Land Girl, climbed onto her heavy bike and pedalled the two miles to her local farm. She was exhausted. After a year of being in the Women's Land Army (WLA), her back constantly ached, and she'd had to work in all weathers, often with bombs exploding in the near distance. But she was proud of what she did. While the men were away fighting, Connie and thousands of Land Girls were bearing a battle of their own: to keep Britain alive, one muddy potato at a time. 'I wanted to join the armed forces, but my dad wouldn't let me,' Connie, now 100, tells Metro. 'He knew what the girls in the army got up to and he didn't want me getting distracted by men. I could have gone to work in an ammunition factory. But I liked the outdoors, so I chose the Land Army instead.' Despite the mental and physical toll, Connie still holds fond memories from her work in the WLA. As well as being where she met lifelong friend Mary, who has since passed away, she also found a sense of confidence and independence she'd never experienced. 'There were no men around to ask me out, but I didn't mind too much,' she jokes. 'Women liberated themselves in the war. We did what we wanted. And it gave us a taste of freedom we hadn't felt before.' Unbeknown to many, the Women's Land Army was originally formed in World War I. However, it was after its re-introduction in June 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, that the fondly-named Land Girls are best remembered. Farmhands were joining up to fight, leaving behind a shortage of agricultural labour, and the Government feared that conflict could lead to major food scarcity. 'Until then, Britain had imported around 70% of its food,' leading WLA historian, Dr Cherish Watton-Colbrook, tells Metro. 'By the end, we were 70% self-sufficient. That shift was extraordinary – and Land Girls made it happen.' With imports threatened by German blockades and farmland being reclaimed, thousands of women stepped into overalls and onto the fields. 'They were thrown in at the deep end with little to no training,' Dr Watton continues. 'Some, who'd moved from urban cities, hadn't even seen a cow before, and suddenly they were learning how to drive tractors, milk cows by hand, plant vegetables, and dig for hours in the frozen soil.' The days were long, up at 5am and often working until dusk. Time off was also a rare occurrence, with most Land Girls only entitled to one week off a year. So how did they keep going? 'During World War II, the average British civilian's diet was heavily shaped by rationing, which was introduced in 1940 to ensure fair distribution of food and other essentials,' says WWII rationing expert and recipe historian Carolyn Ekin. As she explains, the Government played a 'massive and highly organised role' in the wartime food scheme. Every person received a ration book to track and manage how much of certain goods they bought, while public education became a key strategy. Through the Ministry of Food, the Government issued campaigns, recipe booklets and radio cooking shows such as The Kitchen Front, all of which helped families stretch every ounce of leftovers. 'While food was scarce and portions were small, calorie intake was generally adequate, and nutrition actually improved for many,' Carolyn tells Metro. But for Land Girls in particular, rationing wasn't just survival – it was fuel for the front line of farming. As such, they received 'special rations', including extra cheese, bacon and sometimes eggs. As a sheltered member of Gen Z, I'll be the first to admit that I wouldn't last a day doing what the Land Girls did. I don't have the strength, stamina, or grit required to wake at 5am, haul buckets in the snow, and carry on with barely a day's rest. But I am fascinated by food: what we eat, why we eat it, and what it says about us. So, I decided to experience a slice of the Land Girls' world through their diet. To prepare, I tracked down an original wartime ration book on eBay. It once belonged to a woman named Beryl from Wolverhampton, and as I fingered its yellowed pages, the challenge suddenly felt real. Building a five-day meal plan, I combed through vintage cookbooks, sought expert advice, and immersed myself in the diary of Doreen Peskett, a Land Girl from Horsham who meticulously documented her daily life. Here's how my week went… Breakfast – Doreen's fry-up On Monday, April 8, 1940, Doreen writes: 'Got down to milk the cows by quarter to six with the sun just rising behind the cow shed wall with no clouds in the sky. Did three cows this morning (or was it four?) and the washing up and then went up to breakfast about 9 o'clock. Had porridge, fried bread and sausages and toast and tea.' Rather than my usual cereal and berries, I made a version of Doreen's breakfast (minus the porridge), grilling Lincolnshire sausages, black pudding and tomatoes. It was so filling, made all the richer by the bread, fried in beef dripping. I could understand why it would have been an ideal breakfast for Doreen and her fellow Land Girls. I was certainly raring to go by the time I'd cleared my plate. Lunch – Mock banana sandwiches on wholemeal bread Brits throw away 3.2 billion bananas each year – 115 per household – according to research by Aldi. It's a shocking figure as it is, but even more so when you consider how far people in the war would have gone to get their hands on the tropical fruit. Pre WWII, bananas were already seen as a real treat, but on November 9, 1940, UK Minister of Food Lord Woolton ordered a complete ban on banana imports for the duration of the conflict, in order to use the refrigerated ships they were transported on for the war effort. Soon enough, people were going bananas for the yellow fruit. Plaintive songs were even written about its absence, including Harry Roy's absolute classic 'When Can I Have a Banana Again?'. And so, it was down to the genius wartime cooks to come up with a substitute recipe: three teaspoons of caster sugar, two drops banana essence and one mashed up, boiled parsnip. I was ready to gag as I took a tentative bite of the sandwich. But to my amazement, it wasn't bad at all. The texture was just like banana, and although the flavour was a little synthetic – like a banana milkshake with subtle undertones of parsnip – I was pretty impressed and finished the whole round of sandwiches. Tea – Carrot cookies Remember your nan telling you 'carrots will help you see in the dark'? Well, she was actually parroting World War II propaganda. To prevent the Germans from finding out Britain was using radar to intercept bombers on night raids, the Government issued press releases claiming the allied pilots' improved night vision was all down to eating carrots. Of course, carrots do contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A – a key nutrient for boosting eye health. However, the Ministry of Food definitely stretched the truth. They also created Dr Carrot, a bright orange cartoon character who encouraged people to eat more vegetables to stay healthy during rationing. With sugar heavily rationed, parents were told to get creative and give their children raw carrots on sticks, as if they were ice creams or lollipops, alongside substituting the root vegetable as a sweetener for desserts. Inspired, I dug out an old recipe for cookies by wartime cook Marguerite Patten – and what a find! They were delightfully simple: just a dab of butter and sugar creamed together, with a splash of vanilla, a scoop of flour and baking powder, and then the star ingredient; four tablespoons of grated carrot. Baked in a brisk oven until golden brown, these little wartime wonders turned out crisp on the outside and soft within. They tasted more like vanilla biscuits than carrot cake – sweet and moist, thanks to the clever veggie addition. My only complaint? Wartime cookies were tiny compared to today's chunky treats! Dinner – Homity pie with cabbage Legend has it the Land Girls whipped up this hearty pie, tossing together what ingredients they had, including a filling of potatoes, onion and cheese, encased in shortcrust pastry. The exact original recipe has been lost in time. But with the help of my trusty experts, I cobbled together a version that felt true to its roots. It was humble fare at its best, rich with the sweet bite of onion – and so satisfyingly dense, I was bursting out of my jeans! Breakfast – Porridge made with water and dried fruit (not as tasty as Doreen's fry-up) Lunch – Cold homity pie Tea – Two carrot cookies and an apple Dinner – Bubble and squeak Bubble and squeak was a common wartime dish, and a clever way of using up leftover vegetables like potatoes and cabbage. To jazz things up a bit, I topped mine with a fried egg. It was simple but surprisingly tasty. Breakfast – Dripping on toast and apple Lunch – Cold homity pie Tea – Carrot cookies and dried fruit Dinner – Tomato Veranese This dish – from The Women's Land Army Variety in Cooking book (a charity cookbook by the Land Girls themselves) – was the ultimate comfort food: a wholesome pasta bake made by layering beef tomatoes, tender macaroni, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. After baking in the oven, it came out bubbling and delicious. Breakfast – Porridge and dried fruit Lunch – Tomato and boiled egg sandwiches I wasn't a fan of this sandwich, but I reckon Doreen would have been. On Wednesday, June 26, 1940, she writes: 'After a while I went along the main shopping road to Marks and Spencer's etc and got some tomatoes which make all the difference to the very dull tea of bread and butter. I also had a boiled egg which is a luxury.' Tea – Ration chocolate In 1941, the British Government banned fresh milk in chocolate production, forcing manufacturers like Cadbury's to create 'ration chocolate' using skimmed milk powder instead. Being a chocoholic, I had to try it, so I bought some authentic, wartime-inspired chocolate bar from the RAF Museum. I assumed the milk powder would make it crumbly and not very sweet, but it was surprisingly creamy. Dinner – Chicken fricassee During rationing, farmers had to seek permission to slaughter animals for food consumption, but if the animal was injured, it could be put down to end its suffering. Conveniently, many sheep and pigs seem to fall down holes around birthdays and other family celebrations. On Christmas Eve in 1943, Doreen describes a meat feast, writing: 'We nearly killed ourselves with laughing. Up to Wednesday there wasn't anything to have apart from ordinary meat and then Ma got hold of two rabbits and a goose. She said (to me), 'now if Doreen comes home with a chicken, it would just cap it all!'' I didn't fancy rabbit or goose, so I made a chicken fricassee instead from the WLA cookbook. The meat was succulent in a smooth, garlicky sauce with mashed potato, spinach, and peas. Yum. Breakfast – Porridge and dried fruit Lunch – Homemade apple jam sandwiches I absolutely loved this. It wasn't sweet like the strawberry jam we have today – it was slightly tangy with a hint of cinnamon. More Trending Tea – Chocolate fridge cake This recipe from the WLA cookbook would have been a real treat to the Land Girls, and certainly was for me after a week of very little sugar. It was divinely rich with dark chocolate, crushed digestive biscuits and golden syrup. Dinner – Spam hash with spinach View More » Fun fact: over 100 million pounds of Spam was shipped from America to Great Britain and the other allies during the war. So, channelling wartime grit, I finally tackled making a Spam hash. I was dreading it, but although a bit spongy, the canned meat was bearable. Overall, I enjoyed making all the dishes. While they were a little carb-heavy for my desk-bound lifestyle (it's a wonder I don't look like Mrs Potato Head right now) I can see such food was vital fuel for the Land Girls. Ultimately though, I found it inspiring to step into the shoes of these extraordinary women, and it was an honour to be able to interview former Land Girl Connie. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The ideal hangover breakfast to help you feel human again revealed, according to a nutritionist MORE: Is VE Day 2025 a bank holiday in the UK? MORE: VE Day 2025: Map shows Red Arrows flypast route and schedule
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations in West Yorkshire
Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, on 8 May marks the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945. Events across West Yorkshire are being held to mark and celebrate VE Day, including choirs, live music and food. Some events recommend wearing 1940s dress, and others allow the opportunity to bring a picnic. Here is a selection of the events planned: There will be a service at Leeds Minster on 10 May at 19:30 BST. The event, hosted by Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, will include orchestral, choir - including Leeds Philharmonic Chorus - and bagpipe performances. There will also be personal stories of Leeds people who contributed in World War Two, including from the Women's Land Army, firefighters and the home front in Leeds. Tickets will be £5. The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire will also attend a short service at the War Memorial in Victoria Gardens at 11:00 BST on 8 May, to lay wreaths and remember those who served in WW2. On 2 May, Halifax Rugby Union Club is hosting afternoon tea and live 1940s-inspired entertainment at Ovenden Park. Calderdale Council will fly the VE Day flag at Halifax Town Hall, and is lighting up the Wainhouse Tower in red, white and blue on 8 May. The Piece Hall in Halifax town centre will be hosting celebrations from 3 to 5 May. There will be live music, dancing, period dress, military memorabilia and themed food and drink. There will also be a living history display, including the Soviet Affairs Living History Group, known nationally for their portrayals of those who served on the Eastern Front. On 8 May, there will be a buffet lunch followed by an organ recital with Halifax Minster's resident organist, starting at 12:15 BST. The event, at the Minster, will cost £7 per person. Keighley Town Council will be hosting celebrations at the Town Hall Square on 8 May. There will be face painting, a street picnic, live 1940s-inspired music and beacon lighting. In Bingley, the Bingley Remembrance Group is hosting an event on 10 May in the Market Square. There will be classic Army vehicles, food, war-time music, modern buskers, drills from the cadets and a marching band. There will be a service of remembrance and wreath laying which will take place on May 8 at Wakefield War Memorial at 10:50 BST. The Wren Cafe on Wrenthorpe Lane will have 1940s-themed food and live entertainment from 10:00 BST on 8 May - with a raffle and a name the pigeon competition. There will also be a short act of remembrance in the neighbouring Memorial Garden. People are encouraged to attend in 1940s dress. A flag will be raised at 09:00 BST at all four Kirklees town halls. And Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield town halls will be lit up, as well as Victoria Tower on Castle Hill in red, white and blue , at 21:30 BST. On 10 May at 15:00 BST, Thornhill Parish Church in Dewsbury will be hosting afternoon tea with poems and music to sing along to. Do you have memories of VE Day? Share your stories, email Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. VE Day 80th celebrations in Lincolnshire VE Day 80 celebrations in Hull and East Yorkshire
