Some years ago, Peeps into the Past featured the incredible story of a forgotten army of the Second World War, the ‘Lumberjills’, and author Joanna Foat’s mission to give the overlooked heroes of the Women’s Timber Corps a voice.

Now, we are delighted to share that Joanna has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund an audio version of her book, Lumberjills Britain’s Forgotten Army, five years after its publication.

Joanna first heard of the Women’s Timber Corps in 2010 when she was working for the Forestry Commission at Alice Holt Forest near Farnham, discovering the effort of thousands of women who worked tirelessly in forests, felling trees by hand to support the war effort.

Like many others she had never heard of these women and the work they did, so decided to do something about it. She travelled the country meeting 60 women who served in the Women’s Timber Corps in the Second World War to record their stories for posterity.

She discovered there were a dozen Lumberjills who lived in Dockenfield and worked in Alice Holt Forest – one of whom, Joyce Elizabeth Gaster, was interviewed by Joanna during her research.

Joyce was one of the longest-standing members of the Women’s Timber Corps, receiving a badge for six years’ service on May 15, 1946. She also was one of the five women representing the Women’s Timber Corps in the victory parade in London on June 8, 1946.

“Many of the women told me how upset they were that their contribution to the war effort had been forgotten and was never properly recognised. I wanted to tell their amazing stories and give them the voice they deserved,” Joanna said.

“I am now looking for backers to support the audio version of my book. With their support, I can ensure the legacy of these inspiring women will live on.”

These true stories and quotes from the original women have been brought to life in audio form by the voice actor, Lucy Tregear.

Joanna added: “Lucy has done such a wonderful job. With a range of English and Scottish accents I feel like I am listening to the Lumberjills themselves all over again.

“It’s a delight to hear their words spoken, especially as all but one of the women I met have now passed away.”

Joanna’s books enter the world of these ordinary women who fought from the forests doing heavy labour. With courage, strength and resilience, yelling ‘timber’ they brought the prejudice against them crashing down.

But she needs help to fund her research, and give the Lumberjills the attention they deserve.

A Kickstarter campaign is a way for people to donate money online to help turn creative ideas into reality, often receiving a special thank you gift, like a product or experience, in return.

Joanna’s Kickstarter is offering ‘rewards’ to suit all budgets – in audiobook or print book – with a treasure trove of stories and 60 photos in Lumberjills Britain's Forgotten Army. 

The project will also be funding a special edition photobook of the Lumberjills at work in the forests of Britain, with recently discovered photos and stories. During Joanna’s travels and research over the last decade, she has collected an archive of rare and beautiful photos from the war, generously shared with her by the Lumberjills and their families.

Joanna has also written a novel, The Lumberjills Stronger Together, which was inspired by these true stories, and is included in the rewards and add-ons. 

A limited number of replica brass crossed axes badges will be available for the higher tier backer. The original badges were so precious to the Lumberjills as many were lost in the forest in wartime. 

One final reward is a ticket to an online Zoom talk from the author about her journey discovering the Lumberjills.

Discover their incredible true stories, support or share the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelumberjills/inspired-by-true-stories