Memories of a Wartime Canal Boatwoman

While many are familiar with this group, few know about the women who worked on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, referred to by boatmen as ‘Judies’, towards the war’s end. Although at least twelve women worked on the boats at some point, the scheme was less impactful than the Grand Union scheme due to its late start and the difficulties women faced working on wide boats. However, traffic ledgers reveal that Miss Anderson was the ‘master’ of the Edith, and Mrs. Greenwood managed the Weasel.