Greatcoat worn by a member of the Women's Land Army
Date made: 1942
Description: This overcoat belonged to Norah Kelly, a member of the Women's Land Army on the Isle of Man during the Second World War.
It is made of heavy woollen material intended to keep the wearer warm, the khaki colour emphasising the quasi-military nature of the organisation.
The Womens' Land Army was a mobile force of young women available for agricultural work. With food supplies from abroad almost choked off by German U-boats, maximising the yield from ever acre of land was vital war work. Many young women proved themselves highly adept at tasks which had previously been regarded as 'man's work', for example tractor driving.
Measurements: 101 x 47 x 5 cm
Materials: plastic: phenolic, wool
Object name: coat
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 1996-0091/1