Timber! Pat Parker is finally getting recognition for her corps' World War II
A "Lumberjill" from Norbury who worked in the Women's Timber Corps during World War II is to receive a special commendation for her efforts.
But Pat Parker said that, while she was grateful for the recognition of the gruelling work she and others had undertaken, it came years too late for some.
Last week it was revealed those who worked the land to keep Britain supplied with food and timber can now apply for a badge commemorating their efforts.
It is the first official recognition of the contribution made by members of the Women's Land Army (WLA) and the Women's Timber Corps (WTC), who were nicknamed Lumberjills.
Members of the WLA and WTC have campaigned for decades for formal recognition.
Surviving members are eligible, but not spouses or families of deceased members except where their death has occurred after December 6 last year - the date the Government made the announcement of the plans for formal recognition.
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Pat, 84, who lived in Croindene Road until last June, has already applied for her commendation but said: "I am grateful but it's almost an after-thought, especially when we've been campaigning for so long. There are just a few of us left now who are here to accept these commendations.
"If they had left it a couple of years more, there wouldn't have been anyone left to give the award to.
"The many, many people who served and who have since died should all get one as well, posthumously. If they can't have one, their families should be allowed to accept them on their behalf to recognise the hard work they undertook."
Pat, who now lives in East Sussex, signed up in 1939 when she was 16 and said loading felled trees on to lorries was one the best experiences of her life.
After a couple of weeks training in Suffolk she was stationed in Hereford. Workers were sometimes joined by Italian POWs who helped and, in some cases, had romances with members of the timber corps.
Pat stayed with the Timber Corps for three and a half years and returned to London when her future husband was released from a German prisoner of war camp. The pair married soon after they were reunited.
Former members of the WLA and WTC can apply for a badge through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) by calling 0845 933 5577.
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