From the land army to Extra Care at 102, Kathleen recalls her memories of VE Day

At 102 years old (soon to be 103), Kathleen is one of the oldest residents at Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme, where she’s lived for over five years. Her story is one of resilience and quiet heroism – stretching from wartime Britain to a peaceful home with a large balcony and lovely views she enjoys.

Before the war, Kathleen worked as an office clerk for the London Northeastern Railway, a life that couldn’t have been more different from the muddy boots and fresh air of the land.

Born and raised in London, Kathleen lived with her grandparents, who were frail and dependent on her care. While many young women of her generation joined the Navy or other women’s forces, Kathleen made the decision to volunteer for the Women’s Land Army at the age of 18. It was a way to serve her country while staying closer to home.

“I would’ve liked to join the Navy,” she recalled, “but I didn’t want to leave my grandparents.”

Kathleen’s work in the Land Army took her across the countryside. She was based in the Northampton district and worked under a contractor who sent her to different farms to get vital jobs done—everything from haymaking in the summer to seasonal agricultural work. Farmers needed help, and Kathleen was ready to meet the challenge, often riding her bike to work or learning new skills like tractor driving. She even had the chance to attend a course on tractor training in a dairy county when the government ordered local farmers to switch from dairy to grain production.

“I had no idea where I was going half the time,” she laughed. “I’d just be handed a tractor and implements and sent off, I got lost so many times.”

One of her most vivid memories is from VE Day in 1945. Kathleen, then 22, had wandered off into a field ten miles from her home base to complete a job. As the rest of the country erupted in celebration, she found herself alone.

“It was getting dark, and I realised nobody was coming for me,” she said. “The landlord eventually turned up and said, ‘Where’s that girl?’ They’d all gone off celebrating and forgotten me!”

He took her with him straight to the pub, where the emotion of the day finally hit her—and she burst into tears.

Today, Kathleen enjoys the peace and community of Extra Care living. Her apartment, which she affectionately refers to as “prime,” features a large balcony overlooking lovely views. It’s a spot she still takes advantage of at least once a week.

Kathleen now looks back fondly on those days, proud of her contribution to the war effort and the independence it gave her. She now enjoys the comfort and support of a home where she can live independently with help at hand.

Her story is a remarkable reminder of the young women who powered Britain’s farms during wartime.

Visit www.Housing21.org.uk to find out more.