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Denbighshire / Re: Marchwiel Munitions Factory
« on: Thursday 15 November 18 11:18 GMT (UK) »
My mother worked at Marchwiel for a short while in 1942/3 before she married. She lived in Gobowen until she married Dad and moved to Oswestry.
I understand that the newspapers would advertise for workers and I believe she and two friends applied and worked there together.
She would take the train from Gobowen to Wrexham, working 12 hour shifts working with the gun cotton and using the capstan machines.
She told the story that when she was returning from a night shift my Dad would collect her from the station to ride on the crossbar of his bike and take her home.
Obviously it was during the blackout so there were no street lights or house lights showing.
She said there was a good camaraderie between all the girls who worked there. Most of them smoked cigarettes, outside the factory of course to take away the smell of the cordite. Their hair had to be tied up and covered, as all of them had long hair (which might get caught in the machinery), using no hair grips - anything that might cause a spark, fire or explosion. They weren't allowed to wear any rings or ear rings either.
I wish I had asked her more when she was alive as most people do.
I understand that the newspapers would advertise for workers and I believe she and two friends applied and worked there together.
She would take the train from Gobowen to Wrexham, working 12 hour shifts working with the gun cotton and using the capstan machines.
She told the story that when she was returning from a night shift my Dad would collect her from the station to ride on the crossbar of his bike and take her home.
Obviously it was during the blackout so there were no street lights or house lights showing.
She said there was a good camaraderie between all the girls who worked there. Most of them smoked cigarettes, outside the factory of course to take away the smell of the cordite. Their hair had to be tied up and covered, as all of them had long hair (which might get caught in the machinery), using no hair grips - anything that might cause a spark, fire or explosion. They weren't allowed to wear any rings or ear rings either.
I wish I had asked her more when she was alive as most people do.