Hi again, Everyone,
Have just come across the individual George William SMITH and his family in the 1911 Census in Waltham Cross. His occupation is given as "Explosive Labourer", and while he might have had little bursts of energy in his job, there must quite obviously have been an armaments or munitions factory somewhere nearby where he lived.
His daughter Eva May SMITH, a schoolteacher, in 1912 married a William John BAYNES, whose father's occupation is given as "Book keeper in Royal Small Arms Factory". He lived in Waltham Abbey, which is nearby, even if it seems to be situated across the county border in Essex.
So, was there a big armaments or munitions place of employment in the vicinity that might have utilised both men?
Very best wishes, keith
N.B. More precisely, W.J.BAYNES lived at 9, Milton Street, Waltham Abbey; G.W.SMITH lived at 43, Melbourne Rd, Waltham Cross - if someone knows the area particularly well...
