Honour WWII munitions women

Kyt · Jun 14, 2008

BBC NEWS | Wales | North East Wales | Honour WWII munitions women call

An MP is calling for workers who made sure British soldiers had bullets and bombs in World War II are honoured.

The Conservative MP for Clwyd West, David Jones, has tabled a Commons motion on the issue.

It follows decisions to mark the war effort of groups like conscripted miners - the "Bevin Boys".

"It is surprising that the contributions of so many conscript workers have never been recognised," remarked the MP.

During the war, around 1.5m women were employed in engineering and munitions sites across the UK - the majority of them conscripted into service.

"This was the first time women had been conscripted," added Mr Jones.

"The work was unpleasant. The hours were long, and the factories were targeted by German bombers.

"The work was, however, crucial to victory."

One woman who remembers the effort well is Mary Louvain Jones. Now 91, she spent WWII making bullets at Ruthin Goal in Denbighshire.

It was one of many sites in north Wales helping fuel the fight overseas, with secret factories at Rhydymwyn and at Marchwiel in Wrexham.

"There were six or seven machines here and we had to do 3,000 bullets per day," recalled Mrs Jones.

"It was dangerous work until you got used to the machines.

"By the end of the day you had sore hands, with the skin all puckered up.

"You'd go home and put some bandages on, and your mum would say 'are you alright' and you would say 'yes' and then go back the next day."

The call for recognition is being backed by her daughter, Louvaine Lloyd-Jones: "The Bevin Boys have been acknowledged and the Land Army Girls. The only ones left are the munitions workers.

"They felt they were helping their husbands and brothers who were fighting in the war."
Click to expand...

Antipodean Andy · Jun 14, 2008

Recognition for those who did their fair share in a time of need.

Log in or Sign up

Honour WWII munitions women

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Honour WWII munitions women

Thread Tools

Kyt Άρης

Antipodean Andy New Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches