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Author Topic: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's  (Read 1147 times)
WhittyAnge
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Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« on: Saturday 05 July 08 12:37 UTC (UK) »
Hi

Does anyone know about a munitions factory in Bristol during the Second World War (might be Whiteheads or Gardeners?).  My late uncle- in- law worked there and I have a photo of about 40 men (including him) in uniform taken in Bristol.  Perhaps the photo is of the ARP wardens in Bristol.

Any info would be useful.

Thanks
from
Angela. Smiley
« Last Edit: Monday 07 July 08 15:13 UTC (UK) by WhittyAnge » Logged
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willow154
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Posts: 3157


Mum - Such love
Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #1 on: Saturday 05 July 08 14:16 UTC (UK) »
Hi,
I've found a mention of a Mr.Whitehead's torpedo factory - but it's Weymouth.
Will keep looking.
Paulene Smiley
Several bit and bobs where people have written reminiscences about working in munitions factories in Bristol - but so far no names mentioned.
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ChasH
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Posts: 1267


The fool Monty
Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #2 on: Monday 07 July 08 06:25 UTC (UK) »
I understand that Portland harbour used to be used for testing torpedos (Not live ones of course Cheesy) so perhaps they were made elsewhere.

Chas.
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Bevrstn:DAVIES:HIGGS:PERROT
Bisly:BROWN:COOK:CURTIS:DAVIS:FRANKLIN:GARDINER:GLASCODINE:GRIME:JEFFERIES:PEACEY:WARREN
ChipSod:HARDING:HIGGS
Colrne:GOLDEN
G Bad:DAVIES
Horsly:ADAMS:BAYLY:BIRD:COOK:EVANS:GAZARD:HILL:LEWIS:MATTHEWS:PRIDE:SKIRTON:TEAKLE:TURK:WALKLEY:YOUNG
K'Stan:BISHOP:PINEGAR
Marshfld:BAKER
Minch:HILL:MASON:PERRIN
N.Nib:PERROT:SHATFORD:WAYMAN:WOODWARD
N.Wrax:BLAKE
Stinch:HAZEL:WAYMAN
St'hse:GABB:GREGORY
W-U-E:HART:PAYNE:SPENCER:RICE
Little Nell
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Posts: 7262
Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #3 on: Monday 07 July 08 11:51 UTC (UK) »
Have you tried this site:

http://weldgen.tripod.com/id70.html

Bristol businesses, their history etc.

Nell
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izthebye
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Posts: 1


Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #4 on: Friday 24 October 08 18:16 UTC (UK) »
Quote from: WhittyAnge on Saturday 05 July 08 12:37 UTC (UK)
Hi

Does anyone know about a munitions factory in Bristol during the Second World War (might be Whiteheads or Gardeners?).  My late uncle- in- law worked there and I have a photo of about 40 men (including him) in uniform taken in Bristol.  Perhaps the photo is of the ARP wardens in Bristol.

Any info would be useful.

Thanks
from
Angela. Smiley

My grandfather and/or great-grandfather was supposed to have owned a munitions factory in Bristol, dating from World War I. I was told that the Germans bombed it flat early in WW II. I too am seeking information on this.

Hugh
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willow154
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Posts: 3157


Mum - Such love
Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #5 on: Sunday 26 October 08 13:56 UTC (UK) »
Hi Hugh,
First - a big welcome to rootschat. Smiley Hope you find it as friendly and helpful as I do.
Always, something new to learn!
If nothing comes through on this particular thread, Hugh, you could always try posting something on the Armed Forces Boards - lots of experts on there.
Kind regards,
Paulene Smiley
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grouchgb
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Posts: 7


Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #6 on: Sunday 04 January 09 16:41 UTC (UK) »
Strachan & Henshaw, a paper-bag manufacturer in the Whitehall area of Bristol, turned over to munitions during WW1. In 1940, the works turned over to war production again, which included armaments (they're still there, as Weir Strachan Henshaw, and still undertake defence engineering).
Maybe they're not the place you are seeking, but it's a start...Steve
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grouchgb
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Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #7 on: Sunday 04 January 09 17:09 UTC (UK) »
...and Rolls Royce made munitions at their Patchway plant. Bristol Aeroplane Company were based at Filton (now BAE), and expanded massively in WW2, but I don't know whether they diversified into weaponry.

That's about all my Googling will produce! Of course, a lot of firms diversified in WW2, eg furniture manufacturers making Mosquito fuselages, but soon after peace came they reverted to their old roles, thus locating records of their wartime activities is hard (could Whitehead/Gardener have been the manager's name, rather than the firm's?)
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barnzzz
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Re: Bristol - munitions factory 1940's
« Reply #8 on: Saturday 05 September 09 22:16 UTC (UK) »
Mardens was another Bristol munitions factory. Mother in law worked there.
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