About Us
This site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the women and men who worked in munitions factories during the First and Second World Wars. I have been campaigning for the recognition of individuals, primarily women, who worked in munitions factories during both World Wars since 2000. Whilst researching my BA History dissertation at Keele University, I decided to write about women who had served in the munitions factories during the Second World War.
My Great-Grandmother worked at ROF Swynnerton during the Second World War, and I was inspired by the stories I was told by my Nan. I was shocked at how little information was available on these women, and so began my mission to discover more about these remarkable individuals who have been called, “The Forgotten Army”.
Image of the month ..
Workers' Playtime was a lunchtime radio show that was broadcast three times a week from factory canteens and shop floors in the UK. It ran from 1941 until 1964 and its aim was to boost the morale of industrial workers in the UK during the Second World War. BBC engineers would erect a small wooden stage and sling microphones from the roof for a "studio" audience consisting of as many workers as could fit within the space. Throughout the Second World War, Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour and National Service, would appear on these shows to congratulate the workers and encourage them to greater efforts. Many famous variety, vocal and comedy artists appeared over the years, such as Charlie Chester, Bob and Alf Pearson, Peter Sellers, Tony Hancock, Frankie Howerd, Anne Shelton, Betty Driver, Eve Boswell, Dorothy Squires, Arthur English, Julie Andrews, and Bob Monkhouse. The programme was greatly valued by the workers and served to remind them of the valuable contribution they were making to the War effort. Many former workers have noted in interviews how the shows, particularly the music segments, helped them during their long shifts.​
(Image courtesy of the BBC Archive)
Remembrance ..
The Munitions Workers Association has been marching in the Remembrance Day Parade at Whitehall since 2012. If you are interested in being considered for a place, please note the following:
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You must be either a former munitions worker OR
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A relative of a former munitions worker
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Over the age of 18 years
Places are limited and we cannot guarantee that everyone who expresses interest will be able to take part.
If you would be interested in the opportunity to march in the Parade, please email the Remembrance Day Parade Co-ordinator with the following details:
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Your full name
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If you are a relative of a former worker, their name
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The name of the factory you or your relative worked at
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Remembrance Parade queries – Sergio Martini
(Remembrance Parade Co-ordinator) -
smartini671@gmail.com
Discover More ..
Would you like to know more about the history of munitions workers?
Why not book a talk with Munitions Workers Historian - Samantha Webb.
Please contact Samantha at munitionsworkersassociation@gmail.com for more information.
With special thanks to
