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Three photos of a triangle shaped, brass On War Service badge. A pair of boots and a booklet called "H.M. Factory Gretna. Regulations Governing Employment."

Worker of the Week: Crimes and Punishment

By Collections blog

Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk Thanks as always to our research volunteers!

As it’s getting close to Halloween we thought we would make this blog different from usual. We haven’t found any spooky stories at the factory so far, but we can share some about crime and punishment connected to the factory with you. Is that scary enough for Halloween? Keep reading to find out.

1. The Runaway

  • Eighteen year old Maggie Oxley “belonged to Jarrow, but had been working at Gretna” when…

“Information was received from police that money and clothing to the value of £10 had been stolen and that Oxley had absconded. The whole of the clothing and part of the money had been recovered.”

– Sheild’s Daily Gazette Newspaper.

  • In other words she committed a crime and run away!
  • Having thought she had escaped to Jarrow, Maggie soon found herself  “remanded by the Jarrow magistrates… on a charge of theft.”
  • She didn’t get away with it.
  • “An escort” was sent to bring her back to Gretna and we’re sure she that she probably faced further punishment after that.
  • In records of other theft cases we’ve found, a fine or short-term imprisonment was normally given, but we have yet to come across what happened to Maggie!

2. More Stolen Items

  • As you’ve probably gathered, Maggie’s was far from the only theft that happened at the factory.
  • In fact, another then 18 year old, Margaret Alice Laidlaw…

“was charged with stealing two cotton blouses, the property of Madge Thomson, a fellow-worker; a cotton pillow belonging to the Ministry of Munitions; and a gold ring, the property of Jeanie Simpson.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, 1917.

  • It would be interesting to imagine (and fitting for Halloween) if Margaret planned to use the cotton pillow and two cotton blouses to make a rather rudimentary scarecrow.
  • Alas, we have no confirmation of this or evidence of what she was planning with the stolen items.
  • What we do know is that she

“pleaded not guilty, and was remanded until to-day, bail being fixed at £2.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, 1917.

  • We don’t know if she faced any further consequences.

3. Scary Shoes

A pair of boots without any shoelaces.

Could these boots be similar to the ones Valentine pled guilty to stealing?

  • Our next case is someone we feel might have put his foot in it.
  • Although this is hardly as terrifying as some of the other things later in this blog post, it must be somewhat scary to have your shoes destroyed by acid.
  • It doesn’t seem like it was too uncommon at the factory, but we’re most interested in when this happened to Valentine Duffy who pleaded guilty to stealing some boots.
  • To better explain these circumstances…

“Boots were served out to the workers where the acid destroyed their own boots. Accused got a pair and as he had had a pair of his own boots destroyed, he thought he was entitled to walk out with the books belonging to the factory.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, June 1917.

  • However, it was argued that Valentine had not been given the boats “and they must have been taken from the store.”
  • What happened next and what punishment did Valentine face?
  • Well…

“The Sheriff remarked that smarter supervision should be kept at the store. Certainly people ought not to be able to go into a store and pick things up like that.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway standard newspaper.

  • Then Valentine was… “dismissed… with an admonition.”
  • Okay, that is a bit of an anti-climax, but maybe Valentine’s guilty plea helped?
  • We doubt The Sheriff could be so forgiving to our next three…

4. The Threatener

  • First of we should clarify we don’t know the full context behind this.
  • Secondly, we should point out that…

“Maria Armstrong, a munition worker, pleaded guilty to committing breach of the peace.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, Wednesday 17th January 1917.

  • So like Valentine, Maria did plead guilty.
  • Unlike Valentine, Maria was drunk.
  • As described in the newspaper she…

“was the worse of drink and used very threatening language towards the matron.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper.

  • Do we know how Maria threatened her matron?
  • The short answer to this is yes, but the longer answer is that according to a statement given by “Mr James Kissock, depute fiscal” Maria…

“said she would murder her, and twist her neck.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper.

  • So The Sherriff…

“imposed a fine £3, with the alternative of fourteen days’ imprisonment.”

  • We don’t know which she chose.
A table with doorways into a bedroom. This is inside a hostel for H.M. Factory Gretna in the past.

Inside a hostel.

5. Firestarter

  • Time to warm things up with James Auld.
  • There’s a few instances at the factory to bear in mind with James Auld.
  • The first was when James and his colleague and friend, Robert Wetherspoon were assaulted and threatened with a knife.
  • This must have been a scary thing to deal with and we’re not sure how this could have impacted James.
  • Next, we think James is likely to have been “the engineer in charge of the section” of where Harry Ainsworth was accused of having clocking in at the wrong time (at 11.23 am rather than his actual start at 6pm!)

 

  •  You might have gathered from the title that neither of those are what we’re focusing on here.
  • Nor are the instances after his time in the factory involving careless or drink driving.
  • Although, we are focusing on something that did happen after his time at the munitions factory.

 

  • This took place on February 1941 when James Auld appears to have started a fire.
  • According to newspaper accounts James:

“pleaded guilty to setting fire to eight stacks at three neighbouring Fife farms. Damage caused was estimated at £479”

– The Dundee Courier newspaper, Friday 14th February 1941.

  • Once again, we don’t know the full context which led him to this.
  • However, James was ultimately “sentenced to nine months imprisonment.”

6. Murder?

Percy Toplis sitting in a chair in uniform.

Photo source: By Unknown. Photograph Nottingham Evening Post, taken on occasion of wartime revisit to Blackwell, fraudulently dressed as a British Army Captain. The newspaper later released this photograph to police for his ‘Wanted’ notice in 1920. – Nottingham Evening Post, PD-US, Link

  • We’ve saved the worst crime to last.
  • There is more than one example of Percy Francis Toplis being convicted of theft and fraud.
  • As far as we are aware only one of these happened at H.M. Factory Gretna,

“at Annan, in 1917, when Toplis was believed to have been working at the Gretna munitions factory.”

– The Penrith Observer newspaper, Tuesday 8th June 1920.

(It’s worth noting that the rural site of the factory actually stretched from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England. Two vital townships of Eastriggs and its namesake, Gretna, but not Gretna Green, were built to house and facilitate many of those that worked at the factory. It’s often referred to as being located in Gretna, but we doubt the government at the time would want to give away the exact whereabouts of the factory site. Although, the offices for the factory were in Gretna township… Could this play a part in why the government at the time chose to call the site H.M. Factory Gretna?)

  • This isn’t the last time Percy was convicted of fraud and he even appears to have been in prison as a result.
  • He also joined and deserted the military a couple of times.

 

  • However, we promised you a murder in the title.
  •  On Saturday 24th April 1920, taxi driver Sidney George Spicer was shot dead.
  • The last person seen in his car was none other than Percy.
  • In fact Percy was actually seen in Sidney’s car after the latter’s death…
  • Percy was wanted for the murder.
  • A manhunt went underway to find him and the case was well covered in the press.
  • On 6th June 1920, Percy was shot by the police at Plumpton, near Penrith.
  • One of the three shots fired by the police proved fatal and that was the end for Percy.

 

Sources and Further Reading

If you’d like to read more about crimes and punishment at the factory, why not read our previous compilation blog, ‘Thefts at the Factory’ by clicking here> 

Worker of the Week: Thefts at the Factory. – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-thefts-at-the-factory

1. The Runaway

  1. Worker of the Week: Maggie Oxley – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-maggie-oxley 
  2. “Jarrow Girl in Trouble”, Sheild’s Daily Gazette Newspaper, Monday 16th April 1917.

Find Maggie Oxley’s online database entry by clicking here>

2.More Stolen Items

  1.  Worker of the Week: Margaret Alice Laidlaw – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-margaret-alice-laidlaw 
  2. “Charge Against Munition Worker,” The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, Saturday 3rd February 1917

Find Margaret Alice Laidlaw’s online database entry by clicking here>

3. Scary Shoes

  1. Worker of the Week: Valentine Duffy – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-valentine-duffy
  2. “Theft Gretna,” Wednesday 20th June 1917, The Dumfries and Galloway Standard Newspaper.

Find Valentine Duffy’s online database entry by clicking here>

4. The Threatener 

  1. Worker of the Week: Maria Armstrong –  https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-maria-armstrong
  2. “Woman Munition Worker Fined,” Wednesday  17th January 1917, The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper.

Find Maria Armstrong’s online database entry by clicking here>

5. Firestarter

  1. Worker of the Week: James Auld – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-james-auld
  2. “Set Fire to Stacks at Fife Farms,” The Dundee Courier Newspaper, Friday 14th February 1941.

Find James Auld’s online database entry by clicking here>

6. Murder?

  1. Worker of the Week: Percy Francis Toplis – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-percy-francis-toplis
  2. Toplis at Carlisle, The Penrith Observer newspaper, Tuesday 8th June 1920.
  3. Percy Toplis, Eden District Council (Penrith Museum) 2004 – https://www.eden.gov.uk/leisure-culture-and-events/penrith-and-eden-museum/museum-collections/percy-toplis/

Find Percy Francis Toplis’ online database entry by clicking here>

Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>

A table with doorways into a bedroom. This is inside a hostel for H.M. Factory Gretna in the past.

Worker of the Week: Ellen Frampton Dore

By Collections blog

Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk  

This week’s Worker of the Week, Ellen Frampton Dore lived in a hostel in Eastriggs. Read more about her below.

Early Life

  • Ellen Frampton Dore, was born Ellen Frampton Tuckey on 11th May 1863.
  • She was born in Lydiard Millicent, Wiltshire to Richard Frampton and Sarah (nee Badcock) Turkey.
  • At the time of Ellen’s birth Richard is described as a yeoman farmer.
  • Ellen already had three older siblings and would later become the fourth of seven children in the family.

 

  • Next, the 1881 census still shows the family to be living in Lydiard Millicent now at Brook Farm.
  • Interestingly, Ellen’s mother Sarah  appears to be the head of the household on the census record.
  • Sarah is described as married, but Robert does not appear to be listed.
  • Could he have been visiting relatives or staying at another address at the time of the census? What do you think think?
  • Instead, it is Sarah who is described as a farmer’s wife of 132 acres employing 5 men and 2 boys.

Marriage

  • Fast forward to 1884 and we next come across Ellen at her wedding.
  • On the 26th November 1884, she married William John Dore.
  • William was a yeoman at Lidyard Millicent, which could well have been were they both met.

 

  • Between her marriage and the next census in 1891, Ellen and William moved away from Wiltshire.
  • By the time this record was taken they were living at Bourton, Berkshire and William was working as a farmer.

 

  • When the census was next taken they had moved again to live at William’s brother’s house in Weston-Super-Mare.
  • By 1901, William and Ellen also had one son.
  • We’re unsure what could have triggered this move in with relatives. Do you think there’s a possibility that it could be connected to William’s health?
  • We suggested it because, William sadly died later in that same year with his death registered in the Bath registration district.

 

  • This left Ellen widowed.
  • Indeed, she is described as such and living off her own means by the time of the 1911 census.
  • By this point her address is 195 Woodstock Road, Oxford.
  • Her son and a maid also live at this address.

During World War One

  • Next Ellen went to live in Eastriggs.
  • To be more exact, lived at 1 to 22 Halifax Road, Rodney Hostel, Eastriggs.
  • We know this thanks to the electoral role!

Dore, Mrs F. Dore. 1 -22 Halifax Road, Rodney Hostel.

  • We think it’s possible that Ellen was the hostel matron. What do you think?
  • For many young munitions girls this would be there first time away from home, so Ellen would have had more lived experienced then them.
  • If she was the hostel matron, she would have been helping to look after the munitions workers who lived in her hostel.
  • This could include making sure that the girls had food at the hostel (or had the vouchers to get food while they were on shift).
  • Between the Women’s Police Force, Hostel Matrons and Welfare Supervisors at the factory it does feel as though they tried to keep the young munitions workers safe in their time outside the factory site.
  • One hostel matron we know of for sure is Christina Muddie Thom and she even had a maid, Georgia Little who worked with her in the hostel.
  • That’s not to say working as a hostel matron was always the nicest of jobs.
  • In early 1917, munition worker Maria Armstrong had to much to drink and threatened her hostel matron.
  • Ultimately, Maria was given the choice of £3 fine or fourteen days imprisonment for her actions, but it does make us wonder if there were any more incidents like this which went unreported? Or could there be some we just haven’t come across yet?
Some wooden hostel buildings in Gretna next to a road. Some text at the bottom of the photo reads "21. Gretna - Edith Cavell Hostel." This is a black and white archive photo from the past.

An example of one of Eastriggs hostels. This is Eastriggs Cavell Hostel.

(To clarify we should probably mention that the rural site of H.M. Factory Gretna actual stretched from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England. The two townships of Eastriggs and Gretna were both built for the factory to facilitate and house those that worked there. However, the government at the time chose to name the factory H.M. Factory Gretna. Possibly this could be because they didn’t want to give away the exact location of their munitions factory, or that the central offices for the factory site were located in Gretna. We can understand that putting all the place names into the title of the factory would be a bit long…)

Later Life

  • By 1921, she had returned to Oxford, living in Headlington.

 

  • After this, the 1939, census gives her address as 87 Beech Croft Road, Oxford.
  • At this point she is described as having no occupation. Could she have retired by then?

 

  • In fact, Ellen appears to have spent most her life after Eastriggs living in Oxford.
  • On the 15th November 1944, Ellen died in hospital in Oxford.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Worker of the Week: Maria Armstrong – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-maria-armstrong
  2. Worker of the Week: Christina Muddie Thom – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-christina-muddie-thom
  3. Worker of the Week: Georgina Little – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-georgina-little

Find Ellen Frampton Dore’s Online Database Entry by clicking here>

Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>

Worker of the Week: Cosmo Gifford Irvine

By Collections blog

Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk  Thanks to all our research volunteers and everyone who has made this possible.

This week’s Worker of the Week, is none of then other than Cosmo Gifford Irvine, who was a munitions worker at the factory.

Early Life

  • Cosmo Gifford Irvine was born on 21st November 1882 in Morningside, Edinburgh.
  • His parents were Robert and Jessica Irvine (nee McCulloch).

 

  • According to the 1891 census, Cosmo was the youngest of four children.
  • His father, Robert was working as a clothier’s salesman.
  • By this census record the family had moved to Newington in Edinburgh.

Forrester

  • Ten years later, the 1901 census places Cosmo as living in Stirlingshire.
  • What was he doing there? If you hadn’t already guessed he was working as a forester.

 

  • This is an occupation that Cosmo continued to pursue.
  • In the 1911 census, he was working as assistant Forrester in Hampshire.

 

Marriage

  • Next, we find Cosmo is at his marriage!
  • In 1916, Cosmo married Elizabeth Scott in Sussex.
  • However, Cosmo’s address at the time is given as Brampton, Cumberland.
  • Could Cosmo have moved to Cumbria to continue with his work in forestry following the last census record, or is there more than one Cosmo Gifford Irvine of around the same age living in Cumbria at this time?
  • At least giving his locality to a certain munitions factory, it would make sense if this Cosmo then went on to work at…

H.M. Factory Gretna

  • So how do we know that Cosmo worked at H.M. Factory Gretna?
  • This is thanks to the Electoral Register for 1918 to 1919.
  • Here, Cosmo is described as a munitions worker.

Irvine, Cosmo Gifford, munition worker, 3 E East.

  • Not all munitions workers were women.
  • We don’t know the full reason behind why Cosmo would have ended up working at the factory rather than being called up to active service.
  • some chemists were sent to work at the factory, due to their knowledge or experience. Could this be the case with Cosmo, or could it have been health related, or would working at a munitions factory prior to being called up have been enough to give him an exception?
  • Perhaps, there’s more that happened between his marriage and his time at the factory, which we don’t know about yet?
  • There are some things we can’t know for sure yet. Maybe tomorrow a relative of Cosmo’s will come along to tell us more about him, or time travel will be invented, and we can go ask him ourselves, but until then we can’t tell you why for sure.
  • Nor can we tell you when exactly Cosmo would have started working at the munitions factory, but given demobilisation of H.M. Factory Gretna began in December 1918, we reckon that it would be before this. (It was only in 1921 that the government deemed the factory surplus to requirements, which led to them auctioning the site and two related townships in 1924. Anyone else think that they probably regretted that decision in 1939?)

 

  • Anyway, what we can tell you is Cosmo’s address at the time.
  • This is given as “3E East, Gretna” in the electoral register.

 

A row of brick terraced houses with shops along the front. This is a black and white photo of Gretna shops in the past.

Would Cosmo have been familiar with these Gretna shops?

 

  • Gretna (not Gretna Green, which already existed) was one of the two townships built to house and facilitate all those who came to work at the factory.
  • If you are not already aware, the other township was Eastriggs.
  • Despite the name given to the factory at the time by the government, the rural site actually stretched from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England.

After the Factory

  • Following his time at the factory it seems that Cosmo returned to employment as a Forrester.
  • At the time of his death, from stomach cancer in December 1936, his occupation was as an Estate Forrester.
  • By this point he was living in Ayrshire.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Electoral Role Register 1918 to 1919, County of Dumfries, Gretna Division.

Find Cosmo Gifford Irvine’s online database entry by clicking here>

Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>

A colourised photo of munitions worker Clara Gladys Bramley Scott sitting on a bench wearing her munitions workers uniform.

Worker of the Week: Clara Gladys Bramley Scott and Family

By Collections blog

Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk  Thanks to our research volunteers and all who make this possible.

This week’s Worker of the Week, is a tale of friendship and family. Keep reading to find out more about Clara Gladys Bramley Scott and her family. A huge thank you to her relatives for sharing this information and photographs.

Early Life

  • Clara was born on the 13th November 1892.
  • Her parents were William Robert and Elizabeth Jane (nee Naylor).
  • From her relatives that have kindly taken the time to get in touch with us we know:

“My great-aunt Clara Gladys Bramley Scott was born at Bath Terrace in Penrith in 1892, while her father, William R. Scott was employed as a chemist and druggist at “Cowper’s Chemists,” as it was known locally.”

  • Following this, her relative has shared that:

“At age three, Gladys contracted scarlet fever and was sent to the newly opened Penrith Isolation Hospital in 1895 (now Farehill Close).”

  • Not long after this, it seemed that the family moved.
  • As can be best explained,  once again, in the words of her relatives:

“Glady’s brother, Sydney Alexander Scott was born in Carlisle in 1896, indicating that the family moved there around 1895 to 1896. At that time, my great-grandfather William Robert Scott” her father “took over a chemist shop on the corner of Graham Steet and 139 Denton Street… Family life continued with the births of siblings Annie Ruby (b. 1897) and Mary “Mollie” (b.1899)”

  • The 1901 census shows the family’s address to be 2 Graham Street, Caldewgate, Carlisle at this time.
  • We also learn from that census that eldest child Clara is employed as a domestic servant.
  • By the 1911 census, she is described as a dressmaker.
  • Some more information about family life at this time has also been kindly been shared with us by her relatives who told us:

“Occasional financial shortfalls meant William Robert would write letters and take trips to see his mother in Boroughbridge, who would often give him money to support the family and business. The family always knew when he’d received help… he would walk to Carlisle train station but return in a horse-drawn carriage. Family tales suggest various reasons for the financial difficulties: his wife’s spending, his generosity in giving medicine to those who couldn’t afford it (pre-NHS), or gambling on horses… it could have been any or all of these.”

  • What do you think the reason could have been?

During World War One

  • The start of World War One, marked a change for the family, as it would surely have done for many.
  • We think it only fitting to return to the account of Clara’s own relatives, who this blog wouldn’t be possible without.

“At the start of World War 1, Sydney [Clara’s brother] enlisted early to choose his regiment” which was “the Royal Army Medical Corps, influenced by his experience helping in the family business.”

Sydney Alexander Scott in his military uniform. This is a black and white photo from the past.

Sydney Alexander Scott. This photo has kindly been shared with us thanks to family.

“Gladys probably joined the workforce at Gretna after 1915 call for workers due to the shell shortage. She lived at home and commuted by train to Gretna. Said to be the cleverest of the Scott children she became a supervisor at the Gretna Munitions Works.”

 

“By 1917, the Carlisle Housing Census listed the family at 55 East Norfolk Street, William’s occupation recorded as “Blender (Gretna).” The family did not inform Sydney of their change in address, and he returned from the Middle East after demobilization to find they had moved.”

“So how did Gladys’ chemist father end up working at Gretna too? A family photo show William Robert Scott and his wife Elizabeth (née Naylor).” That’s Glady’s mother. “William again faced financial difficulties but this time time his mother did not help. After her death, while clearing out her bureau, he found his letter and an envelope containing the exact amount he had requested… she had been too ill to respond.

Thus both father and daughter worked at the factory.”

William Robert Scott stood next to his and his wife Elizabeth. This is a black and white photo from the past.

William Robert Scott and his wife Elizabeth. This photo has kindly been shared with us by the family.

  • Now, that leaves us with another question, what exactly did a blender do at the factory?
  • Given William’s prior experience as well, a chemist, and chemists (admittedly of a different non-medicinal variety) being necessary for H.M. Factory Gretna it would be logical to assume that this position would have somehow involved chemicals. What do you think?

 

  • We don’t know what part of the H.M. Factory Gretna William or Gladys would have worked in.
  • Unlike the what the name given to the factory by government at the time, how it is commonly referred in newspaper articles and more suggests the rural site of the factory stretched from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England.
  • Two vital townships, Eastriggs and it’s namesake Gretna were built to serve many of the munitions workers who came to work at the factory too. Plus Gretna township housed the Central Offices.

Friendship at the Factory

  • That’s not all!

“Glady’s best friend Katherine “Kitty” Palmer and her mother Rose Ann Palmer also worked at Gretna. “

 

A group of people in arranged in four rows for a photo. Kitty is in the third row from the front, first person on the left. The lady dressed in black beside her is her mother, Rose Ann Palmer. This is a black and white photo from the past.

“In the above photo, Kitty is in the third row from the front, first person on the left. The lady dressed in black beside her is her mother, Rose Ann Palmer. They lived on Garfield Street in Carlisle and commuted by train to Gretna.

After the war, Kitty married Gladys’ brother Sydney Alexander Scott in 1931. Rose Ann Palmer lived with her family in Garfield Street until her death at age 83. Kitty’s brother Alexander married Gladys’ sister Mollie.”

  • Not only had Kitty  worked at the factory, but we think she was certainly an incredible woman who was willing to fight for what she believed in.
  • Why? Well, Kitty’s relatives have kindly shared the following story about her, which we think may give you some idea why we feel this way…

“Kitty was a talented and clever woman with no formal qualifications. She was the glue that held her family together. When her husband Sydney lost the tops of his fingers in an industrial accident, Kitty fought for justice. Sydney had unplugged a machine to clear a jam, and someone turned it back on while he was inside. The company refused compensation, claiming he was ambidextrous and had “lost nothing.” Kitty borrowed legal books from the library, researched the case with her sister, represented Sydney in court, and won compensation.”

“Kitty had five children, with only two surviving to adulthood. She died in 1969.”

After the Factory

  • Back to Glady’s and sadly…

“Glady’s fiancé was killed during WW1. She never married and later worked in the Carlisle Co-op Accounts Department… always referred to by this family as the “CoopERATIVE” On Botchergate (said in a posh voice). Her sister Annie Ruby was a shop assistant there too.”

  • This has left us wondering if her experience as a munition worker supervisor helped her gain her position in the accounts department rather than the shop floor, like her sister. We don’t have any clear evidence, but what do you think?

 

  • Meanwhile, her father…

“William Robert Scott was registered as a chemist and druggist from 1893 at 139 Denton Street, Carlisle until 1934, and then at 21 Lowther Street, Whitehaven until his death at age 66. His death was announced in the Pharmacy Journal on 9th February 1935.”

Later Life

“After her father’s death in 1935, Gladys gave up work to care for her mother Elizabeth and her mother’s sister” another “Clara until their deaths. Clara Gladys Bramley Scott died in 1975.”

A colourised photo of munitions worker Clara Gladys Bramley Scott sitting on a bench wearing her munitions workers uniform.

Clara Gladys Bramley Scott in her munitions workers uniform. This photo has kindly been shared with us by her family.

Sources and Further Reading

We would like to say huge thank you to the relative who took the time to gather, write up and share this information from family including photographs, as well as all those involved in sharing this. Without you taking the time to do so we would never know the fascinating full story and we’re pretty sure that majority of this blog post has been written these relatives. (We have had to move things around a little so they work within the usual framework of our Worker of the Week blog posts. Please forgive us for this.) Thank you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Find Clara Gladys Bramley Scott’s online database entry by clicking here>

You can find William Robert Scotts online database entry by clicking here>

Read Kitty Palmer’s online database entry by clicking here>

Find Rose Ann Palmer’s online database entry by clicking here>

Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>

A selection of Warhammer figures and a model of a building arranged on some terrain.

Warhammer Taster Day October 2026

By Archive

When is Warhammer Taster Day October 2026?

Monday 12th October 2026 from 11am to 3pm.

Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm. This activity is free. Please be aware that usual admission prices do apply to anyone wishing to explore The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

What is Warhammer Taster Day?

Join some of the regulars from our weekly Warhammer Club and discover this hobby packed with amazing armies and weird creatures. You will be able to try out building and painting a miniature figure and join in with some tabletop battles which will be underway throughout the day. We’ll have activities for Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000.

Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm on Monday 12th October 2026. This activity is free. Please be aware that usual admission prices do apply to anyone wishing to explore The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

You might also be interested in…

Our free weekly Warhammer Club will also be continuing during the October half term. You don’t have to come to our Warhammer Club to join us for this taster session, but you would be also be welcome to join us for both depending on what best suits you.

A kaki green World War Two themed Ironside Dalek figure.

Droids, Daleks and Death Rays.

By Archive

When is Droids, Daleks and Death Rays?

Tuesday 13th October 2026.

Drop in and join us any time between 11am to 12.30pm or 2pm to 3.30pm.

What is Droids Daleks and Death Rays?

Join us for a craft session exploring the many ways that science fiction has been influenced by war and conflict. We’ll have resources to design your own robot character or recreate a sci-fi classic.

This is a free family craft activity. No need to book, just drop in and join us between 11am and 12.30pm or 2pm and 3.30pm. Please be aware usual admission prices apply for anyone wishing to explore The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

You might also be interested in…

A munitions worker mixing Cordite in a nitrating pan with a Witches hat, an explosion, some bubbles and a frog cartoon.

Witches’ Potions and Slime Making

By Archive

When is Witches’ Potions and Slime Making?

Tuesday 20th October 2026

11am to 1pm.

This fun family event is free to join in, just drop any time between 11am and 1pm. Usual admission prices apply for visiting the main museum displays.

What is Witches Potions and Slime Making?

Explore curious ingredients, stir up a witch’s brew and create a potion with colour changes, fizzes, and pops. Enjoy creepy storytelling and slime making.
This fun family event is free to join in, just drop any time between 11am and 1pm. Usual admission prices apply for visiting the main museum displays.

 

You Might be Interested in…

A selection of Halloween decorations on a Halloween tablecloth on a table. There is some lights in the shape of a pumpkin or the word 'Boo!'

Children’s Halloween Party 2026

By Events

When is our Children’s Halloween Party 2026?

Thursday 29th October 2026

6.30pm to 8pm

Tickets are free, but booking is essential.

Bookings are now closed for this event.

If you have any questions you can contact us on 01461 700021.

Who Can Come to Our Children’s Halloween Party?

This FREE party is aimed at 6 to 11 year olds. Parents and / guardians are welcome to stay and watch for the duration of the party, but please be aware that places only need to be booked for the young attendees.

What Will Happen at the Party?

Join us for our FREE spook-tacular Children’s Halloween Party at The Devil’s Porridge Museum! There will be treats, fun and a few prizes up for grabs.

Be sure to come in your Halloween costume, as there will be a Best Halloween Costume Competition for the young attendees!

You can forward to:

  • A party game and a spooky story,
  • Mixing your own witches potion that you can take home with you,
  • Drinks and food (this year we’re planning on having a selection of fruit, so please do let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements when you book),
  • And a spooky stroll around the ground floor of The Devil’s Porridge Museum in the dark for young attendees…

Things to Be Aware Of…

At this party there will be:

  • Flashing lights;
  • And there may be some loud noises.

Our annual Children Halloween Party provides plenty of thrills and treats for young attendees.

We are aware that some children can find Halloween scary, but rest assured our experienced team of volunteers and staff will be on hand all night to make sure that everyone is safe. Parents and / or guardians are also welcome to stay in The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s education room throughout the event.

There are some parts of this party that children can find scary. Whilst we do encourage young people to take part in all activities, (as we have found those who are reluctant to do so will often enjoy the activity and be proud of themselves for taking part) we understand that sometimes children may need a break, and we will not force them to take part in a specific activity if they do not want to do so. We intend this party to be a fun experience for all the attendees! This party is aimed at 5 to 11 year olds. If you feel your child may be more sensitive to Halloween scares, you would be welcome to take a look at some of the other family friendly activities happening during October half term.

How to Book

Tickets for our children’s Halloween Party 2026 are FREE!

Bookings are now closed for this event.

If you have any further questions please contact 01461 700021.

***

 

We would like to say a huge thank you to our funders The Holywood Trust and Young Start, The National Lottery Fund for their support of our activities for young people again in 2025!

 

Other October Half Term Activities

 

A street lined with brick houses. This is Victory Avenue in Gretna.

Worker of the Week: Elizabeth and Fredrick Eastaught

By Collections blog

Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk We would like to say thank you to all our research volunteers and all those who help to make this possible.

This week we’ve not got one Worker of the Week, but two! Married couple Elizabeth and Fredrick Eastaught are this officially this week’s Workers of the Week.  Whether you like poetry or hockey you can find out more about them below.

Frederick’s Early Life

  • Firstly, Frederick Alldis Eastaught was born on 26th February 1882.
  • He was born at Forty Hill, Enfield, Middlesex.
  • Ellen Alldis and Frederick Eastaught were his parents.
  • We also know that his father worked as as a school teacher.

 

  • After this he must of studied at the Royal College of Science.
  • In 1903 Frederick was awarded a B.S.C. from there and then received an Associateship at the Royal School of Mines in London. [1]
  • Following the he started working as a lecture at the University of Sydney. [1]
  • However, he did return to London for a year in 1909 to lecture at the Imperial College, University of London, London. [1]

Frederick and Hockey

  • It’s impossible to fairly describe Frederick without mentioning his interest in sport, particularly hockey.
  • When he started working at the University in 1907, it seems that hockey teams had only just been established at the university.[2]
  • Frederick played a vital part of ensuring the long-levity of the sport at the University.
  • He helped establish the Barbarians Hockey club, a team which he played for many times between 1907 and 1915. [2]
  • Frederick also played for the New South Wales Team.[2]

 

  • A shortage of umpires led Frederick to also act as one for many games between 1907 and 1914. [2]
  • If that’s not enough to show his enthusiasm for the sport, perhaps how he wrote a hockey newspaper column under the name of “F.E” from 1907 to 1911. [2]
  • Then there’s how Professor Eastaugh was the first president of the Sydney Universty Hockey Club (SUHC) in 1907. (More on that later).[2]

 

  • Perhaps a better reflection of his passion for hockey is how he opened his doors from early 1908 after Wednesday lectures for anyone who wanted to learn more about the sport. [2]
  • This was regardless of what club they supported.
  • Despite, Sydney University Sports Union not allowing women to play on university grounds, Frederick welcomed women into his these mid-week talks. [2]
  • More than that he encouraged women to take up hockey; umping, coaching and giving guidance to the University’s Women’s Hockey Team. [2]

Elizabeth’s Early Life

  • Meanwhile, Elizabeth Muriel Grace Nicholson was born in 1885.
  • She was born in Newark, Nottingham.
  • Following this she was baptised at St Mary Magdalene church in Newark on 2nd August 1885.
  • Elizabeth’s parents were Edward Henry Nicholson and Sarah Ann (nee Prior).
  • We know Edward worked as a civil mechanical engineer.
  • Eilzabeth had three older siblings.

 

  • Next, we know in 1909, Elizabeth sailed all the way to New Zealand on the “Tongariro.”
  • We know she was accompanying her Aunt Margaret and Uncle John Prior who had been on holiday in Britain.
  • Seemingly, she would have arrived in Wellington on 15th December 1909.
  • We wonder who else was in New Zealand around this time…

 

Married Life

  • On the 5th January 1911, Frederick married Elizabeth at St John’s Fielding, New Zealand.
  • Is it possible that they could have met while Frederick was in London, or did they meet in New Zealand? Perhaps they met somewhere else entirely. What do you think?

 

  • What we do know is that Elizabeth and Frederick lived at Hunters Hill, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Here Frederick returned to his academic career at Sydney University.
  • Now working as Professor of Engineering and Metallurgy.
  • The couple had two children during this time, prior to World War One with a third later born after it had ended.

 

World War One

  • At the start of the First World War, Frederick was commissioned to work for the Australian Imperial Force. [1]
  • However, his chemistry and engineering credentials proved to useful for him to go to into military service. [1]
  • For the first few months of the war, he spent his time approving the chemical composition of steel used for making shells.

 

  • Also around this time in 1914 he was chosen to umpire two very special matches! [2]
  • These were the first two women’s international hockey matches ever played in Australia. [2]
  • Afterwards Frederick Eastaugh and the other umpire Mr Redgrave were good naturedly presented with walking sticks! [2]

 

  • Following this, he became part of an Australian munitions team of scientific workers and traveled to the UK in World War One.
  • If you’re familiar with our Worker of the Week posts [3 and 4] you might be aware that we’ve touched on some of the reasons why Australian chemists and engineers traveled to the UK in World War One.
  • If you’re not let’s just say, the Ministry of Munitions wanted more chemists, the Australian government wanted to upskill their workers about the manufacture of munitions and Australian  Arthur Leighton Edgar helped to make this happen. [5]
  • When he arrived in the UK, Frederick was sent to work at a certain munitions factory, which crossed the Anglo – Saxon border (more on that later).

 

  • Meanwhile, we know that Elizabeth and the children also traveled to the UK in 1916.
  • They sailed on the “Corinthic” in November 1916, presumably to join Frederick.
  • However, it seems that they spent time in London staying with Elizabeth’s and Frederick’s parents during this time too.

 

H.M. Factory Gretna

  • If you hadn’t already guess by now (which you probably have if you’ve come across our museum before) Frederick was assigned to work at H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • We know he worked at the Mossband area of the factory (near Longtown). [6]
  • In the Mossband Farewell Magazine, which created by those who worked in the Mossband section of the factory to remember their time working there, a “F. A. Eaustaught” with a forwarding address of Sydney University Australia is listed as a member of Operating Staff. [6]
  • We think this highly likely to be Frederick. What do you think?

 

F. A. Eastaugh, A.R.S.M., F.I.C, A.I.M.M., University Club, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia.

A F. A. Eastaugh’s listing from The Mossband Farewell magazine. We think this is Frederick.

  • We know there several hockey teams at H.M. Factory Gretna and it’s not hard to imagine that Frederick may have wanted to be involved in this in some way.
  • However, we are yet to come across any definitive evidence that he was.
The Dornock women's hockey team arranged in two rows. Two of the members are holding hockey sticks.

Dornock Women’s Hockey team photo, which is on display in The Devil’s Porridge Museum.

Layout of the Factory

  • We do know that Frederick appears to have lived at Staff Quarters, Eastriggs at some point.
  • Now, (we’ve mentioned this before and we will do so again, but people can get a bit muddled on the geography and feel free to skip to the next paragraph if you know what’s coming) Eastriggs was one of the two townships built to house and facilitate all those who worked at the factory, with the other township being its namesake Gretna ( not to be confused with the Gretna Green of wedding-fame which already existed).
  • The rural site of the factory actually ran from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England. The government called it H.M. Factory Gretna (presumably for ease of not having to say H.M. Factory Gretna, Eastriggs, Dornock and Longtown every single time, or perhaps more importantly for security reasons, or they could have been influenced by the fact that the central offices for the factory were reported to be in Gretna.)

Farewell Cordite!

  • So, what was Elizabeth and the rest of the family doing at this time?
  • We already know that they spent time living in London, but surely they must have been aware of what Frederick was doing? Would they have stayed locally at some point during this time?
  • Again we can turn to The Mossband Farewell Magazine. [7]
  • As well as names of those who had worked at the factory, the magazine also features artwork, stories and poetry by those who worked there.
  • One such poem is “Farewell Cordite” written by Elizabeth Eastaugh. [7]
  • Could this suggest that Elizabeth did live locally or even work at the factory? If she did we don’t know exactly what her role was, but we do have her poem which perhaps shows what she was feeling about her time at H.M. Factory Gretna.

“Farewell Cordite!

 

Farewell, Farewell to Gretna!

To Solway’s Moss and Tide;

We’re going far from Gretna

Across the oceans wide.

 

Our lives are once again our own.

Unmarked by Syren’s shift:

But men and maids must scatter,

And friendships come adrift.

 

The Southern seas are calling

Their men to sail away;

The Northern lights are hiding

The girls that worked so gay.

 

In days of future freedom,

What visions shall arise!

A sudden whiff of Ether…

And… were we fools or wise?

 

A long farewell to Gretna!

To Sycamore and Heath.

To Areas and Compounds-

And all the mud beneath!”

-Elizabeth Eastugh.

From The Mossband Farewell Magazine. [7]

(It’s not unusual for words to change meaning over time. If you told a H.M. Factory Gretna worker that they ate and left no crumbs, or even that they slay they’d probably interpret it completely differently than a young person would today.  Given context and time the line “the girls that worked so gay” refers to happiness of the munition workers, but if you’re disappointed by this you could always go read about Dr Flora Murray by clicking here>. Now she slays.)

 

  • We should also note that Frederick appears to have been in the Institute of Chemistry.

 

Eastaugh, Mrs Elizabeth M. A. 90 Victoria Avenue. Eastaugh, Fred. A. chemist, 90 Victoria Avenue.

The adult Eastaughs in the electoral role.

 

  • Meanwhile, some further evidence that the family could have lived in Gretna appears in the Electoral Role from 1918 to 1919.
  • Here, a certain Elizabeth and Fred Eastuagh are listed as living at 90 Victory Avenue in Gretna.
  • Presumably, Frederick could have gone by Fred as a nickname and he could have moved from his earlier Eastriggs address to be with the rest of his family. What do you think?
  • However, it doesn’t seem as if the family stayed in Scotland for much longer…
A street lined with brick houses. This is Victory Avenue in Gretna.

Victory Avenue in Gretna where the Eastaughs lived.

Return to Australia

  • In 1919, the Eastuagh family returned to Australia aboard the Devanha.
  • Back in Australia, Fredderick returned to Sydney University (as we’ve already seen from his forwarding address in The Mossband Farewell magazine.) [6]
  • It seems he became Associate Professor of Engineering Technology and Metallurgy. [1]
  • On his return to Australia, Frederick found that his team the Barbarians no longer existed, but this didn’t stop him continuing to enjoy other sports and support hockey. [2]
  • A couple of years after their return of Australia, Elizabeth and Frederick had another child.

 

  • Although, the family seems to have settled back in Australia, this Frederick appears to have visited London again in 1934.
  • Perhaps he called on his parents or his local friends who lived in the area. We know he’d previously received post from a chemist working in that area.

Later Life

  • Sadly, in 1935, Frederick and Elizabeth’s son Edward died of pneumonia after a short illness.[2]
  • We can’t imagine what this must have been like for the family.

 

  • In 1938, Frederick had taken up a position of Professor of Engineering Technology at the university.[1]
  • This was a position until he retired in 1948. [2]

 

  • Do you remember how he was elected president of Sydney University Hockey Club?
  • Well, excluding two years were he was working at H.M. Factory Gretna, Frederick continued in this position until 1945. [2]
  • He only left when he was elected president of Sydney University Sports Union, which was a position he held until his retirement. [2]
  • From his time doing so and working at the university, he earned the nickname ‘Uncle Ted.’ [2]

 

  • What of Elizabeth? It’s not the best news…
  • We know the family were living in Alexander Street, Hunters Hill, Sydney.
  • Unfortunately, we know this due to Elizabeth’s death in a local hospital on 21st June 1949.

 

  • Following this Frederick returned to the UK.
  • Seemingly, he was caring for his parents at his old family home in Enfield, 15 Grangeway, Grange Park.
  • Although, he did briefly return to Australia in 1952, it Frederick seems to have spent the rest of his life in England, even after his parents death.
  • It seems he went to live in Suffolk.

 

  • Frederick Eastaugh died on 23rd July 1966.

Sources and Further Reading

  1.  Eastaugh, Frederick Alldis, Book of Remembrance Role, Beyond 1914: The University of Sydney and The Great War from The University of Sydney’s website – https://expn-omeka.performx.com.au/s/beyond1914/item/402174

  2. Frederick Alldis Eastaugh – “Uncle Ted,” page 28 to 30, Glebe District Hockey Club (GDHC), Red Rad (RR) Newsletter August 2018 – https://glebehockey.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Red-Rag_August-2018.pdf

  3. Worker of the Week: Arthur Parkin – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-arthur-parkin
  4. Worker of the Week: Sydney Bertram Abbot – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-sydney-bertram-abbot
  5. Anticipating Tomorrow’s Defence Needs – A century of Australian Defence Science by Peter Donovan published 2007 by The defence Science and Technology Organisation, Canberra, Australia.
  6. Cordite Staff Mossband 1916 to 1918, Operating Staff, page 13, The Mossband Farewell Magazine from H.M. Factory Gretna.
  7. Farewell Cordite!, page 31, The Mossband Farewell Magazine 1918 from H.M. Factory Gretna.

 

Find Elizabeth Eastaught’s online database entry by clicking here>

Find Frederick Eastaught’s online database entry by clicking here>

Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>

Melbourne Avenue a tree lined street in Eastriggs in the past.

Worker of the Week: Robert Ray

By Collections blog

Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk  Thanks to everyone who makes this series possible including our awesome research volunteers.

This week’s Worker of the Week Robert Ray joining the factory was initially described as an “important appointment” in a Fife newspaper. Read more about what he did below.

Early Life

  • On the 12th April 1889, Robert was born in Cellardyke, Fifeshire.
  • His parents were Agnes Bonthone (nee Oliphant) and James Ray.
  • We know James worked as a Clerk in Holy orders for the Church of Scotland.
  • Robert had two brothers, Phillip and James Forrest (known as Forrest, perhaps so as not to be confused with his father).
  • Later records suggest that Forrest had haemophillia, a genetic condition which means his blood takes longer to clot than usual and he would bleed more easily.

 

  • According to the 1891 census, the family were still living in the same address as when Robert was born, which his The Manse in Cellardyke.
  • At this time, James is a Minister of the Church of Scotland.
  • Interestingly, the family were employing, 15 year old nurse, Betsy Paterson to look after Robert and had a cook / domestic servant, Annie Paterson. They do appear to be related.
  • When the census was taken they had a Church of Scotland missionary, Adam Currie, visiting at the time of the census.

 

  • Next, the 1901 census shows that the family are still at the same address.
  • They also continue to employ a cook and nurse/ domestic servant, but these are different people to the ones who appeared on the last census record.
  • By this point James is described as Minister of Cellardyke Parish.
  • Meanwhile, the three boys are at school.

Studies

  • After this, we think Robert studied at his local University at St Andrew’s.
  • Here, he gained a Bsc.
  • Seemingly Robert also achieved a F.L.S (Fellowship of the Royal Society) and F.R.S.S.C, the Scottish equivalent.

 

  • Similarly, Philip studied for and passed “a degree of bachelor of science in engineering.”[2]
  • Interestingly, for this the subjects he studied were “mathematics, natural philosophy, chemistry and physical laboratory.”[2]
  • Could Robert have also studied these or similar subjects? What do you think?

Engineering and Zoology

  • Following this, the 1911 census shows Robert was working as an engineer.
  • He is found on the return census record for the SS Gibralter in The Alexandra Dock, Newport, Wales as the fourth engineer around this time.

 

  • After this, it appears that Robert went to the University of Cape Town as a lecturer in Zoology in 1913.
  • We have found further evidence of this on the ships passenger lists.
  • According to these Robert sailed second class on the ship “Saxon” from Southampton to Cape Town on 16th August 1913.
  • At this point he is described as a 24-year-old scientist, but by the return trip on “Llandovery Castle” from Cape Town to Plymouth, Robert is indeed described as a Lecturer in Zoology.
  • This also shows us that his return trip was on 19th December 1915.

 

  • During Robert’s time in Cape Town, we know that one of his brother’s Phillip was attested and posted to France.
  • Initially, Phillip joined the 8th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) but was later transferred to 59th Squadron Royal Flying Corps.

 

  • Could Phillip being sent to France have influenced Robert’s return to Britain and his actions in 1916? We can’t know for sure, but what do you think?

H.M. Factory Gretna

  • Shortly after his return, in early 1916, it seems that Robert showed signs of wishing to use his scientific skills to aid the war effort.
  • Resultingly, from October 1916, he ended up working at H.M. Factory Gretna, or as explained as an “important appointment” in The East of Fife Record: [1]

“Mr Robert Ray, Bsc, F.L.S, F.R.S.S.A has been appointed chemist-in-charge of Hill 3 in Nitro-Glycerine Section of H.M. Factory at Gretna. Mr Ray offered his services as a chemist to the Ministry of Munitions early in the year and was at once accepted.”

– The East of Fife Record. [1]

  • Unlike some of the other chemists who have worked at H.M. Factory Gretna, Robert seemed to volunteer his services directly rather than being redirected to work as a chemists.
  • One notable example of this is Australian, Cyril Callister [3] who was re-directed from the Australian Imperial Force (although, this could be in part due to a scheme organised by Arthur Leighton Edgar for Australian chemists and engineers). [5]

 

  • However, it seems the Ministry of Munitions rewarded Robert for this with some explosives experience, prior to his employment at H.M. Factory, as the article goes on to explain…

“In March he [Robert] went to the Government works at Waltham Abbey to gain experience of high explosives and after four months’ service he was transferred to Gretna, where he has seen new machinery installed and gained further experience in his work.”

– The East Fife Record. [1]

  • While Robert was employed at the factory, Phillip was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.
  • Sadly, Phillip died during aerial action near Douai on 13th April 1917.
  • He is remembered on the Arras Flying Services memorial.

 

  • This would have been hard for the remaining two brothers.
  • On the 10th November of that same year, Robert’s remaining brother, James Forrest (known of Forest) joined the Royal Air Force.
  • Perhaps he could have been inspired by Phillip. What do you think?

Eastriggs

 

  • Meanwhile, Robert might have been living at A4 Staff Quarters in Eastriggs.
  • Or rather the 1918 to 1919 Valuation Roll lists a “Robert Rae” does, but we think this is probably actually Robert Ray. What do you think? Could a ‘y’ be mistaken for an ‘e’ on the valuation roll?
  • According, to the “Institue of Chemistry 1918 Proceedings Part 1 – Register of New Students, Associates and Fellows” it could well be!
  • Robert Ray appears among those listed on this record and his address is given as A4, Staff Quarters, Eastriggs, Dumfriesshire.

 

A tree lined road with houses on either side. This is Melbourne Avenue in Eastriggs.

Do you think Robert Ray would recognise Eastriggs from this photo?

 

  • Eastriggs was one of the two townships built for the factory site, (the other being Gretna) and the rural site of the actual factory stretched from Longtown in England to Dornock in Scotland.

Married Life

  • Not long after Eastriggs, on 18th October 1919, we find Robert at his wedding.
  • Robert Ray married Mary Marton at St Matthias Church, Richmond, Surrey.
  • By this point Robert was an engineer, who had moved from Eastriggs to live at 5 Onslow Road, Richmond according to the marriage record.

Further Travels.

  • It appears that Robert went on to travel for work.
  • First, we come across him sailing to Buenos Aries as an engineer on 27th July 1928 with his home address given as 24 Carter Road, Sheffield.
  • Then, later in that same year we have found evidence of Robert returning from Durban.
  • Although, he is still an engineer, this time his address as given as Hollies, Chapleton, Sheffield.

 

  • Sadly, the next record we have is the death of Robert’s remaining brother Forrest in May 1930.
  • The cause of Forrest’s death is given as hoemophilla and he had been working as an Art Publishers Representive.
  • We have found no further records of Forrest’s time in the royal air force, but do know he married.
  • As Robert registered the death, it would be nice to think the brother’s remained close during their lives.
  • Only three years later, Roberts father, James also died. [4]
  • His mother Agnes lived until she was 95 years old in 1956.

 

  • On a more happy note, Robert appears to have continued to travel, or at least his job title suggests he did. We wonder how many places he would have visited for his work?
  • Indeed, the 1939 census describes Robert as a “Sales Engineer Travelling Technical.”
  • Although, still living in Sheffield, Robert and Mary’s address was now at 76 Oakdale Road.
  • Mary herself is on on unpaid domestic duties, but that’s not all!
  • The record does add that she was an auxiliary nurse.

 

  • Lastly, Robert died on 19th May 1964 in Sheffield.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. “Important Appointment,” The East of Fife Record Newspaper, Thursday 26th October 1916.
  2. Local news section, The East of Fife Record Newspaper, 1917.
  3. Worker of the Week: Cyril Callister – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/cyrilcallister
  4. The Scotsman Newspaper, 13th June 1933.
  5. Anticipating Tomorrow’s Defence Needs – A century of Australian Defence Science by Peter Donovan published 2007 by The defence Science and Technology Organisation, Canberra, Australia.

Find Robert Ray’s online database entry by clicking here>

Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>

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