Munition works, Blackheath

[woody123]

The occupation at marriage in July 1918 for my g-grandfather notes him as "discharged solider, munition works, Tool-setter".  His son was born in December 1918.

I assume he worked at the Munitions factory in Blackheath where he lived.  Does anyone know whereabouts in Blackheath the munitions factory was?

Would the fact him being a "discharged soldier" mean he was discharged early on medical grounds and made ammunition, or could it be he stayed for the duration of the war?

On the 1911 census he was a "sticker at the tube fittings".

Any help appreciated.

[stanmapstone]

See https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Government_Cartridge_Factories
GCF 1 Blackheath
Opened: December 1916 Management: Birmingham Metal and Munitions Co Products: small arms ammunition .303in Mk.VII

I realise this is for WW1 and may not be the same one that was set up in WW2.
Stan

[stanmapstone]

The Birmingham Daily Post - Saturday 21 December 1918 states that the Government Cartridge Factory at Blackheath closed on the 20th Dec 1918.

Stan

[MaxD]

These folks will know exactly where it was I'd imagine. Its telephone numbers in WW1 were Oldbury 241 and 242 but they probably don't answer now 


http://historyofoldbury.co.uk/2story.htm

MaxD

[woody123]

Thanks Stan and MaxD.  I thought 241 & 242 were Bus numbers 

It would be WW1.

I'll see what else folks know on here, and give that group a try if nothing comes up.

[MaxD]

Let us know his name and year of birth we may be able to answer the question about his discharge.

MaxD

[woody123]

Thanks.

George Wilfred Wood born October 1896 Old Hill, Rowley Regis. His parents were Ephaim & Sarah Wood..

[MaxD]

No service record has survived but a highly likely candidate is 17257 Private George Wilfred Wood of 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment who enlisted in September 1914, went to France on 24 March 1915 but was invalided out on 19 April 1917 with "sickness".  Only his medal records survive and they have no personal info but he is the only George Wilfred Wood on the Silver War Badge roll (indicating discharge before time).

MaxD

[woody123]

Thanks very much Max.

That seems to fit in with him going onto work at the munitions factory until it closed in December 1918.