Violet Bowhay receives certificate of honour on Remembrance Sunday

Violet Bowhay, who lives at Horton Cross Nursing Home, joined the Land Army Girls “to help the war effort” during World War Two.

Violet, who after her retirement moved to Chard from London, was awarded a certificate “with gratitude and appreciation” today, Remembrance Sunday (November 12).

A photo of the Land Army Girls; Violet is in the second row up from bottom, second girl from the left (Image: Contributed)

A message from the nursing home said: “At the age of 21 Violet, who was born in the East End of London in 1924, wanted to help the war effort so joined the Land Army Girls.

“She was stationed in Totnes with 39 other girls, she worked on many farms, Kingsbridge Haberton Ford and some she could not remember all the names.

“She often talks about these days, the friends she met, and how hard every day was, which was very long but felt it was worth it.

“While stationed in Totnes she met her husband Reg, who was in the navy. After the war ended, they got married on December 13, 1945.

“They moved back to London but did not settle as they felt the quality of air was better in the countryside, so they moved back to Totnes and went on to have a daughter, Carol.

“After retirement, they moved to Chard to be near their daughter.

"As it’s Remembrance weekend Horton Cross Nursing Home awarded Violet a certificate of honour with gratitude and appreciation for her war efforts.”