Elaine168, I have just seen your query, but do not know the details of all armaments factories in the Newcastle area during WW II. One of the main ones was - Vickers-Armstrong, which was on the Scotswood Road, Newcastle, and stretched for 4.5 miles along the Tyne. Look for the Elswick Works re them. Vickers made guns etc. and also parts for other 'things' connected with the war, ie ships equipment and parts. I have spoken to a friend who worked at Elswick, as an apprentice in 1943. He says that there were thousands of women employed at V/A during the war years, - eg. machinists; crane drivers; slingers - they loaded the ropes around heavy equipment before it was lifted by the crane drivers.; etc.etc.
My friend worked in the No.9 Shop where torpedo tubes were manufactured, and as a young 16 yr old he was able to slide inside the tubes to finish off the burnishing or whatever.
One site which may be of very useful information is the following :
www.ne-diary.bpears.org.uk/Intro.htmlI came across it be accident last year and it is a day to day, and hourly account of bombings and happenings in the NE during the war.
Best of luck in your searching.
