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An oval shaped portrait of Arthur Parkin from the Dornock Souvenir Magazine. He is wearing a suit and looks happy.

Worker of the Week: Arthur Parkin

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 Gretna 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 for helping to make this possible.

This week’s Worker of the Week is Arthur Francis Parkin, who came from Australia to work at the factory and it seems as though the local area inspired the name for his eldest daughter!

Early Life

  • Firstly, Arthur Francis Parkin was born in Victoria, Australia in 1891.
  • His parents were Arthur Coulson Parkin and Elizabeth Parkin.
  • We know Arthur Coulson Parkin, was a manufacturing chemist. Could this have helped to inspire his son and namesake, Arthur Francis Parkin?
  • Additionally, Arthur Francis Parkin had 5 siblings (including another Arthur, who was the eldest child).

Work and Marriage

  • Next, we know Arthur Francis studied a Masters Degree at Melbourne University.
  • What was his degree in? It was science and he went on to work as a chemist like his father.

 

  • On 12th November 1915, Arthur Francis Parkin married Grace Lillian Griffiths in Melbourne, Victoria Australia.
  • However, this wasn’t the only significant event that we have come across in their life in 1915…
  • Indeed it could have been possible that they had some idea of the next move prior to their marriage, but we can’t know this for certain.

From Australia to Scotland

  • Arthur and Grace travelled from Australia to Plymouth according to incoming passenger lists, but why did they come to Britain?

 

  • The best way to explain this is to start with another Australian Arthur, Arthur Edgar Leighton. [3]
  • Now, Arthur Edgar Leighton (to make things as clear as possible we’ll refer to him as Leighton from here on in) travelled the Britain via India to learn more about munitions manufacture for the Australian Government. [1]
  • While working on this, The Ministry of Munitions appointed Leighton to be a technical adviser on the manufacture of explosives. [2]
  • As part of this, Leighton organised a scheme for Australian chemists and engineers to travel to Britain and work with munitions. Not only did this help provide the workforce, but it helped Australians learn new skills in relation to the manufacture of munitions. [2]

(Interestingly, Leighton appears to have been involved in the running of “the huge Gretna Works” during World War One, but we’ll save the rest for another Worker of the Week blog… [1] [2] )

 

  • Therefore, Arthur Francis Parkin seems to have to travelled to Britain to work as part of this scheme.
  • He could have worked in several locations in relation to munitions.
  • The one we probably know most about at The Devil’s Porridge Museum is of course H.M. Factory Gretna.

Life at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • According to the Dornock Souvenir Magazine, Arthur Parkin ( or rather A. Parkin ) worked as the “Section Manager, Nitro-Cotton Plant.” [5]
  • Although, the rural site of the factory stretched from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England, there were two main sites known as Dornock and Mossband (near Longtown).
  • Seemingly, Arthur worked in the Dornock section of the factory, as this magazine is made by those who worked in this section to remember their time working there.

 

A page from The Dornock Farewell magazine featuring portraits of five gentlemen in suits. Arthur Parkin is in the photo to the top left and he looks happy.

Arthur Parkin and some of his colleagues photographed on a page of the Dornock Souvenir Magazine.

 

  • Eastriggs was one of the two key townships (the other being Gretna) built to serve those who came to work at the factory.
  • The Factory Manual describes Eastriggs as being built “for the accommodation of those workers chiefly engaged on the Dornock section.”[4]
  • In light of this, perhaps it’s no surprise to find Arthur and Grace living in on The Ridge, Eastriggs. Below is a photo of The Ridge from the past.

 

A out of focus black and white photo of a street of houses. A cyclist is moving down the middle of the road in front of the houses.

 

  • Naturally, he’s not the only Australian to work at the factory.
  • The most notable example is that we’ve come across so far is probably Cyril Callister. Have you heard of him? For those of you that haven’t, just know that the future inventor of Vegemite once worked at H.M. Factory Gretna! [6]

Gretna

  • On 5th September 1917, Arthur and Grace’s first daughter was born. [8]
  • At this time Arthur was still working at the factory.
  • What did they call their daughter? Well, they named her Gretna Margaret Parkin. [8]
  • Is it just us or does the name Gretna seem familair? We’re sure we’ve heard that somewhere else before…
  • Later, Gretna became a renowned scientist, specialising in botany. [7]

 

  • Following this, their second child Griffiths Coulson Parkin was also born in Scotland in October 1918.
  • Sadly, Griffiths died during World War Two in 1943, while serving with the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve. [9]

 

Life After the Factory

  • In the Dornock Souvenir Magazine, Arthur Francis Parkin left his forwarding address as:

“A. F. Parkin.

Studley Avenue, Kew,

Melbourne, Australia.”

-Staff Addresses, page 68, The Dornock Souvenir Magazine. [5]

  • Therefore, it seems that the family returned to Australia.

 

  • Additionally, we know Arthur and Grace’s third child, Frances Gibson Parkin was born in Australia.
  • Later, Frances went on to become a medical practitioner.

 

  • Lastly, in July 1971, Arthur died in Australia.

 

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Australian Dictionary of Biography, Arthur Edgar Leighton by L. W. Weickhardt – https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/leighton-arthur-edgar-7165
  2. 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.
  3. Roy M. MacLeod (1989) The ‘Arsenal’ in the strand: Australian chemists and the British munitions effort 1916–1919, Annals of Science, 46:1, 45-67
  4. The Factory Manual from H.M. Factory Gretna.
  5. The Dornock Farewell Magazine from H.M. Factory Gretna. 1918- 1919.
  6. Worker of the Week: Cyril Callister – www.devilsporridge.org.uk/cyrilcallister
  7. Gretna Margaret West Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretna_Margaret_Weste
  8. Weste, Gretna Margaret, The Encylopdiea of Women & Leadership in Twentieth-Century Australia – www.womenaustralia.info/leaders/biogs/WLE0492b.htm
  9. Sub-Lieutenant Griffiths Coluson Parkin, Commonwealth War Graves – www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2485607/griffiths-coulson-parkin/

 

Find Arthur Francis Parkin’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>

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.

Worker of the Week: Maria Armstrong

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 Gretna 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   A huge thank you to all our amazing research volunteers for continuing to make this possible.

This week’s Worker of the Week is Maria Armstrong, who once had too much to drink during her time working at H.M. Factory Gretna.

Early Life

  • Firstly, on 23rd April 1879 Maria was born in Carlisle.
  • Her parents were Christopher and Isabella Armstrong.
  • Maria was one of eight children, although only six survived.

 

  • According to census records the family lived in Botchergate, Carlisle in 1881 and Maria’s father, Christopher, worked as a printer compositor.
  • Following this, the family had moved to Hexham by 1891. At this point Christopher worked as a printer and stationer.

 

  • Census records show us that the family continued to live in Hexham.
  • However, by the 1911 census Isabella is described as a widow.
  • Meanwhile, Maria is working as a Stationer, similarly to her father in years gone past.

 

Time at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • After this, that we have found a record of a Maria Armstrong working as a munition worker at H.M. Factory Gretna.*
  • Is this the same Maria? What do you think?

 

  • Although we don’t know exactly when this Maria started at the factory we do know that she was working there in January 1917.
  • This is because she appears in the local newspaper in court at Dumfries, after having too much to drink.
  • Seemingly:

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

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, Wednesday 17th January 1917. [1]

  • Now, it is important to note that we don’t have too much information about Maria Armstrong and it’s hard to know the full context of what led to this situation.
  • According to the newspaper it took place in one of the factory hostels, which seemingly Maria would have been staying at during this time.

 

  • However, according to the report in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Maria Armstrong…

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

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper.[1]

  • From what the newspaper report suggests this “threatening language” appears to have been violent threats concerning murdering the matron.
  • Naturally, this behaviour wasn’t something that wouldn’t go unpunished.
  • Ultimately, Maria Armstrong was given a £3 fine or “the alternative of fourteen days’ imprisonment.” [1]
  • According to the bank of England inflation calculator, this would be equivalent to aproximatly £182.32 as of February 2026. [5]

 

Messroom inside one of the hostels at Gretna from the past. Some people are sitting at tables.

Messroom inside a Hostel.

  • Hostel matrons were supposed to look after those who lived in the hostel.
  • One example of a hostel matron that we know more about is Christina Muddie Thom. [2]
  • Significantly, we have no evidence to suggest that Christina was the matron who was threatened in this instance though.

 

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.

We don’t know which hostel this happened in.  Many of the hostels were named after well-know people, like the one shown above.

 

  • Additionally this case led…

“The Sheriff said they must put a stop to this disgraceful conduct.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard. [1]

Another ‘Threatening’ Incident at the Factory

 

  • Indeed, this was not the first threatening incident that a happened at the factory.
  • Notably, James Cecil Wallace Auld [4] and Robert Wotherspoon [3] were threatened with a knife in a local cemetery after this in May 1917.
  • However, neither Maria Armstorng or any hostel matrons appear to have been involved in this incident.

 

Life After the Factory

  • In 1939, we have found a census record showing a Maria Armstrong went to live with her sister in Hexham.
  • By this point she is described as a retired stationer.

 

  • Unfortunately, we don’t know much more about Maria Armstrong.
  • Do you know more about Maria or anyone else who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Find out how to get in touch at the end of this blog.

 

Sources and Further Reading

  1. “Woman Munition Worker Fined,” Wednesday  17th January 1917, The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper.
  2. Worker of the Week: Christina Muddie Thom –  www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-christina-muddie-thom
  3. Worker of the Week: Robert Wotherspoon – www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-robert-wotherspoon
  4. Worker of the Week: James Auld – www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-james-auld
  5. The Bank of England Inflation Calculator – www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator

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

 

*Although, the factory was named H.M. Factory Gretna by the government at the time, it is important to note that the rural site actually went from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in England. It’s namesake, Gretna (not to confused with separate Gretna Green, which already existed prior to this) and Eastriggs were the two townships built to house and facilitate the influx of people who came to work at the munitions factory during World War One. Both these townships played a vital role to the factory and would have been an integral part in the lives of many of those who worked there.

 

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>

First page of Dornock Souvenir Magazine from 1916 to 1919. It features an illustration of a man and munition worker either side of an house in a circle. There is an illustrated frame with buildings or a gate at each corner.

Worker of the Week: Norman Taylor Fox

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 Gretna 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, past and present, for their help with this!

This week’s Worker of the Week is Norman Taylor Fox who worked as a chemist at H.M. Factory Gretna and lived in Eastriggs. Find out more about him below.

Early Life

  • Firstly, on 23rd October 1888, Norman was born in Longsight, Lancashire.
  • His parents were Charles Edward Fox and Mary Jane Bowker.
  • Initially, Charles worked as a Cotton Linen Dryer.
  • However, he later went on to travel for a Chemical Works.

 

  • Accordingly, we know the family must have moved to Lisburn, Ireland.
  • This is because, Norman’s younger brother, Edward Bowker Fox, was born there in 1893.
  • Sadly, Edward died when he was 7 years old in 1901.
  • At this point the family was living in  Dunmurry, Ireland.

 

  • After this, the 1911 census the family returned to Lancashire.

Time at H.M. Factory Gretna

Fox, Norman T, chemist, 100 -102 Vancouver Road. Electoral Roll entry.

  • According to the local electoral role, ‘Norman T. Fox’ worked as a chemist at the factory.
  • Additionally, he lived at 100 – 102 Vancouver Road in Eastriggs.

 

Vancouver Road, Eastriggs as shown in an Auction Book from 1924.

Vancouver Road as shown in an Auction Book from 1924 (when the Factory and townships were sold).

  • Eastriggs was one of the two townships (the other being Gretna) built to house and facilitate all those who came to work at the factory.
  • Notably, the rural site of the factory actual stretched from Dornock to Longtown (with the two main sections being Doronock and Mossband, near Longtown), but these two townships were vital to the factory and those who worked there.
  • The Factory Manual describes Eastriggs as being built “for the accommodation of those workers chiefly engaged on the Dornock section.” [4]
  • Significantly, this is not the only reference we have found to Norman working in this section of the factory.

The Dornock Farewell Magazine

  • The Dornock Farwell Magazine was created by people who worked at the H.M. Factory Gretna to remember and commemorate their time working at the factory at the end of the war.
  • Similarly, The Mossband Farewell magazine was created by those who worked at the other section.
First page of Dornock Souvenir Magazine from 1916 to 1919. It features an illustration of a man and munition worker either side of an house in a circle. There is an illustrated frame with buildings or a gate at each corner.

Front page of The Dornock Farewell Magazine.

  • A forwarding address for an N. T. Fox appears among the staff addresses in The Dornock Farewell Magazine.
  • This is given as ” “Lyndale.” Greenleach Lane, Worsley, Manchester.” [1]
  • However, we think it’s possible that this is not the only occasion that Norman appears in this Magazine.

 

N. T. Fox "Lyndale" Greenleach Lane, Worsley, Manchester.

 

The 11.20 “Up Express”

  • We think he could have written an article for it titled “The 11.20 “Up Express.” [2]
  • Significantly, only the initials of the author (“N. T .F”) are given, but it does seem to be written from the perspective of the chemist.
  • Do you think that N. T. F could be Norman?

 

  • The article itself records a local train journey “on a dark, unhealthy September night” with the

“Chemists recline[ing] in luxuriously-upholstered carriages, critising the latest war position, whereas all others aboard sit on hard, cold, rigid seats. These latter compartments, it is expected, will be sold under the hammer of the Minister of Munitions for hen-roots or ice cream vans, if the Minister can find a speculative party of buyers.”

– The Dornock Farewell Magazine. [2]

  • However, this train journey is interrupted when it reached:

“The line at this point bridges a gully, and this becomes the scene of a terrible smash… The first coach has left the rails, with one end in the bottom of the gully and the other resting against the bridge, the following two are over on their sides, and the fourth has jumped the metals.”

-The Dornock Farewell Magazine. [2]

  • The article continues to describe the “confusion” after this and describes “the scene as a whole would have insured good running for a Cinema film.”
  • Fortunately “four Dornock Chemists proceed to give assistance” who:

“become heroes – and are told a hundred and one in confidences.”

  • Ultimately, the chemists retire to their wooden huts.

 

  • After this, what is described as an “extract from the press at the time” is quoted.
  • This reads:

“The Minister of Munitions makes the following announcement:—
“ A statement has appeared in the Press that, as a result of a Railway Accident
at a Scottish Munition Factory, several lives were lost.
The accident in question was of a minor character. No lives were lost, but nine
persons sustained cuts and contusions.”

– The Dornock Farewell Magazine.[2]

  • The contradictory nature of this “extract from the press at the time” has lead us to wonder if it could be satirical comment on the way The Ministry of Munitions reported on at the time.
  • Often they would want to downplay the impact of any accident.
  • For example, when Roberta Robertson was sadly killed as a result of an explosion and nine others were injured, The Ministry of Munitions made a point of empathising “no serious damage was done.”[3]

 

  • So far we have come across no further accounts of this incident on the way to “Rigg Power House.”
  • Additionally, with those “four Dornock chemists” becoming “heroes” rescuing “trembling damsels” with “beautiful silvery voices” and “diamond tiaras” it does perhaps seem more like a “Cinema” story than a factual account…
  • What do you think?

 

  • Notably, the Quintinshill Rail accident happened locally only around three years prior on 22nd May 1915.
  • Would N. T. F. have been aware of this?

Married Life

  • After working at the factory we know Norman returned to Lancashire.

 

  • He married Evelyn Gasquoine there in 1918.
  • Following this, Norman and Evelyn went on to have three children.
  • Meanwhile, Norman became the manager of a chemical works in Lancashire.

 

  • Lastly, in May 1954, Norman died in Lancashire.
  • He is buried alongside his wife and daughter in Heaton Cemetary, Bolton Lancashire.

Sources and Further Information

  1. Page 66, Staff Addresses, The Dornock Farewell Magazine from H.M. Factory Gretna. 1918- 1919.
  2. Page 42 -43, The 11.20 “Up Express,” The Dornock Farewell Magazine from H.M. Factory Gretna. 1918- 1919.
  3. Worker of the Week: Roberta Robertson – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-roberta-robertson
  4. The Factory Manual for H.M. Factory Gretna.

 

Read Norman Taylor Fox’s online database entry 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>

Annie Corrin sat on a chair. This is a black and white photo from the past.

Worker of the Week: Annie Corrin

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 Gretna 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 is Annie Corrin. A huge thank you to Annie’s granddaughters for their kind assistance with our research project and another thank you to all our research volunteers!

Early Life

  • Firstly, Annie  Woods was born on 1st April 1897  in Port St.Mary, Isle of Man.
  • At this point, Annie was the youngest of five children.
  • Her parents were Richard Wilkinson Woods and Ann Jane Radcliffe.
  • Additionally, her father, Richard, worked as a miner.

Time at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • When Annie was 19 she left the Isle of Man to go and work at H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • Although, the government at the time chose to call the factory H.M. Factory Gretna, it is worth noting that the rural site of the factory ran from Dornock to Longtown. Additionally, the two townships of Eastriggs and Gretna were built to serve and facilitate those who worked there.

 

According to an interview with Annie about her time at the factory [2]:

  • Originally, she stayed in the Central Hotel in Carlisle (now demolished) as this used to house munition workers.
  • After this hotel becoming a hospital for the wounded, the munitions workers living there were sent to live in hostels in Gretna.
  • Many of the factory hostels were named after famous people, such as the Florence Nightingale Hostel where Annie then lived.
  • Below is a photo of inside of a hostel. Could where Annie stayed have looked like this?

 

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

  • At the start, Annie worked at the Cordite section of the factory.
  • Here:

“Her job was to separate large trays of cordite, by taking a handful and smashing the end, to separate the strands the strands. The strands were then put into boxes… and weighed.”

Interview with Mrs Annie Corrin, Stranraer Museum Gretna Girls Booklet, E. Ritchie [2]

  • After this, the boxes were sealed with lids.
  • To do this work she was provided with a “mop cap, tunic and trousers.” [2]

 

 

  • Next, Annie changed to working at the loading sheds outside.
  • Here she loaded boxes of cordite onto a tuck.
  • After this she would have:

“pushed these trucks outside on rail tracks, for about a mile to another shed.”

Interview with Mrs Annie Corrin, Stranraer Museum Gretna Girls Booklet, E. Ritchie [2]

  • Notably, she is recorded as not knowing what happened inside the sheds, but:

“does remember there were usually a couple of girls lying outside in what appeared to be a drunken state, caused by exposure to cordite.”

Interview with Mrs Annie Corrin, Stranraer Museum Gretna Girls Booklet, E. Ritchie [2]

  • Consequently, she was given “oilskin coat and sou’wester hat” [2] for working outside. Could this be what she is wearing in the photo below? What do you think?

Annie Corrin sat on a chair. This is a black and white photo from the past.

  • Additionally, a man called Geordie appears to have given the munitions workers some direction on the best way to load the trucks.

Life After the Factory

  • Next, near the start of 1919 Annie returned to the Isle of Man.

 

Charles and Annie Corrin sat together on a bench. They look happy. This is a photo from the past.

Charles and Annie Corrin. This photo was kindly shared with us by their granddaughters. A huge thank you to them.

  • On the 5th November 1921 Annie married Charles Corrin.
  • Following this, they went on to have three children.
  • Lastly, Annie died in March 1993.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Annie Corrin – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/annie-corrin-gretna-girl
  2. Interview with Mrs Annie Corrin, Isle of Man (Aged 88) from Stranraer Museum The Gretna Girls booklet, E. Ritchie produced as result of Falkirk and Stranraer Museum Services joint exhibition “Women at War.”

Read Annie Corrin’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 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>

Reginald Keen wearing a suit sat on a chair. He has a moustache.

Worker of the Week: Reginald Keen

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 Gretna 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  As always a huge thank you goes to all our awesome research volunteers! 

This week’s Worker of the Week, is Reginald Keen, who you can read more about below.

Early Life

  • On the 4th June 1889, Reginald was born in Meare, Somerset.
  • Notably, he had seven siblings including a twin sister.
  • His parents were Robert John Kelway Keen and Emily Rachel Burrough.
  • According to census records his father was a farmer.

Time at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • During World War One, we know that Reginald worked as a Fireman at H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • How do we know this? Well, he appears on a photo kindly shared by relative of fellow factory worker Wilfred Edmonson. [1]
  • This photo was taken in April 1918 according to the information on the back, so it seems as though Reginald must have been working at the factory from at least that point.
  • Additionally, it was taken in Frank Holbrook, Alexander Studios, Dumfries and Annan.
A group of ten men, including Wilfred Manson Edmondson wearing suits.

Photo kindly donated by Wilfred Edmondson’s relative. [1] Wilfred is on the far right of this photo.

  • In the photo above, Reginald is sat fourth from the left in the front row.

Farmer and Fireman

  • Notably,  Reginald is the only munition worker described with another occupation in addition to working at the factory on the photo.
  • This reads “Reginald Keen (farmer) fireman.”
  • If you fancy leaning more about Firefighting at the factory and the fire stations in the two town townships built for it (these were Eastriggs and Gretna with the rural factory site running from Dornock to Longtown) we can recommend watching a recording of an online talk about this on our You Tube. [3]
A group of ten men sat and stood for a photo wearing suits.

Photo kindly donated by Wilfred Edmondson’s relative. [1]

  • Interestingly, when conscription was introduced in 1916 during World War One, farming was considered to be a reserved occupation, as it was thought to be essential for the war effort.[3]
  • However, it is highly likely that Reginald would have had to apply for an exception certificate on the grounds of his work to qualify for this, but we have found no evidence to suggest that he ever did so far. [4]
  • Also, it doesn’t seem to have been unusual for farm labours to be conscripted. [5]

 

  • Indeed, Bonnie White’s article concerning the impact of the war on a neighbouring county, highlights the impact this had on agriculture and cited a 1923 study by T. H. Middleton, which “estimated that between August 1914 and April 1918 approximately 273,000 men between the ages of 18 and 41 left agriculture for military service or munitions work.” [6]
  • Could Reginald have been one of these? What do you think?

Marriage

  • Following this, we know Reginald did indeed return to Somerset and farming.
  • In fact, he married Amy Look in the Wells district on the region in 1919.
  • Reginald and Amy went on to have two children.
  • Both of these appear to have gone on to become farmers.

Later Life

  • Later it seems that Reginald was living in Weston-Super-Mare.
  • Lastly, Reginald died in July 1955.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Worker of the Week: Wilfred Edmondson – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-wilfred-manson-edmondson
  2. Nearly a decade! Fires and Firefighting at H.M. Factory Gretna YouTube online talk recording. – https://youtu.be/TrKHKzIKztA?si=cdFefSFOOiaBREpF
  3. World War One: Military Service Tribunals and Those Who Did Not Fight, 9th November 2014, BBC News – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29954113
  4. WW1 – Applications for Exemption from Service website, Thornbury Roots in Partnership with Thornbry and District Museum  – https://www.thornburyroots.co.uk/war/ww1-exemptions-a-m/
  5. World War One – Agriculture and Industry, Historic UK website – https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/World-War-One-Agriculture-Industry/
  6. Feeding the war effort: Agricultural experiences in First World War Devon, 1914–17 by Bonnie White, page 95 – 95. (Quote cited in this essay as T. H. Middleton, Food production in war (1923), p. 266). An extract can be found on the British Agricultural History Society’s website as a PDF – https://bahs.org.uk/AGHR/ARTICLES/58_1_5_White.pdf

Find Reginald Keen’s Miracle Worker’s Database Entry 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>

Munitions workers in uniform stood and sat in four rows. This is a black and white photograph from the past.

Worker of the Week: Lily Bruce

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 Gretna 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, is Lily Bruce, who features in a group photograph of munitions workers at the factory. Keep reading to find out more about Lily’s life.

Early Life

  • On 28th March 1901 Lily was born in Cordon, Durham.
  • In total, Lily appears to have had 10 siblings.
  • Additionally, her parents were Thomas and Emma Bruce.
  • According to the 1911 census, Thomas was a miner.

Life at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • Although, we don’t know exactly when Lily would have started working at the factory, it seems that she would have been a munitions worker.
  • This is because she appears in a photograph of a group of munitions workers who worked there.
  • Information on the back of the photo suggests that she could have been part of the “Cotton Prep Dept.  A Shift.”

Munitions workers in uniform stood and sat in four rows. This is a black and white photograph from the past.

 

  • Interestingly, there are many more names of munitions workers also on the back of this photo.
  • For instance, the back of the photo suggests that Maud Bruce (of no relation to Lily) is sat in third row, 4th from the left.
  • We know Maud Bruce definitely worked at H.M Factory Gretna and even was awarded a medal for her bravery during her time working there. [1] [2]
  • Additionally, we have other photos of Maud Bruce. Do you think the two photos below look like the same person?
  • Meanwhile, Lily is described as being the second from the right in the first row of the photo.

 

  • Unfortunately, we don’t have any more information about Lily’s time working at H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • We don’t have a comprehensive list of everyone who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna and sometimes all the evidence we have is a name on the back of a photograph… What do you think of this source?
  • Ideally, a relative of Lily’s might come across this blog post and kindly get in touch with us (or someone might come along and loan us a time machine), until then this is the information we have found about Lily Bruce…

Marriages and More

  • After her time working at the factory, Lily seems to have returned to Durham.
  • This is because she married there!
  • More specifically, it appears that Lily married in Auckland, Durham in September 1927 to James Henry Lee.
  • Following this, James and Lily had three children all born in the Durham area.

 

  • Sadly, in March 1933 James passed away.
  • In June of that same year James and Lily’s last child was born.

 

  • It seems that Lily and her children continued to live in the Durham area.
  • Similarly, Emma, Lily’s mother lived there right up to her death in 1962.

 

  • However, prior to that Lily married again.
  • On 9th September 1950 Lily appears to have married Henry Kipling in Durham.
  • We’ve also found that their wedding was witnessed by Robinson and Sarah Kell.
  • Additionally, their vicar was Hector Stanley Horobin.

 

  • Lastly, Lily died on the 7th February 1971.

Sources and Further Information

  1. The Marvellous Miss Maud: From Gretna Girl to Aycliffe Angle. – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/the-marvelous-miss-maud-from-gretna-girl-to-aycliffe-angel
  2.  Maud Bruce Online Database Entry – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/hm-factory-gretna-workers-database/name/maud-bruce

Find Lily Bruce’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 man with a neutral expression wearing a coat. This is Eric De Clemont in a black and white photo from the past.

Worker of the Week: Eric De Clemont

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 Gretna 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  As always we would like to say a huge thank you to all our research volunteers for making this series possible!

This week’s Worker of the Week is Eric De Clemont. Unfortunately this is a bit of a sad one, as Eric died during his time working at H.M. Factory Gretna.

Early Life

  • On 1st November 1880 Eric was born in London.
  • His parents were Philip Otto de Clermont and Alice Johanna Heilgers.
  • Additionally, he had one sister, Helen Mabel de Clermont.

Education

  • Following this, in 1899, Eric attended King’s College in Cambridge.
  • During his time there he appears to have been interested in sports, as explained below:

“An enthusiastic Rugby football player, he won his cap at Clifton was Captain at King’s College Team, but for an injury sustained while playing, had a very good chance of his Rugger “blue.””

– The Mossband Farewell Magazine. [1]

  • Further evidence of Eric’s ongoing education is 1901 census, which lists 20 year old Eric as a student.

A man with a neautral expression wearing a coat. This is Eric De Clemont in a black and white photo from the past.

  • After this, in 1902, Eric graduated from King’s College with a BA. [1]
  • However, he appears to have continued in education for another year, as he graduated from Camborne School of Mines in Cornwall in 1903. [1]
  • As a result, he was awarded an Honours Grade Second Class in a qualification of Ore Dressing. [1]

Travels

  • Although we don’t know exactly when, we do know that Eric went on to work at the mines in South Africa after this qualification.
  • Whilst working there “owing to the carelessness of a miner, he was involved in an explosion which resulted in the loss of an eye.”[1]
  • Later, his work there led Eric to contract miner’s phthisis (a lung disease).

 

  • On his return to England in 1916, Eric “made every effort to join the army.”[1]
  • Ultimately, he was not allowed to on medical grounds.

Time at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • However, this didn’t stop him doing his bit for the war effort, as in July 1916 Eric came to work at H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • Interestingly, Eric is not the only person who went on to work at H.M. Factory Gretna after being turned down from joining the army on health grounds.
  • One example of this is William Haddon. [5]

 

  • The Mossband Farewell Magazine was created by created by those who worked in the Mossband section of the factory to commemorate their time working there and describes Eric as:

“full of enthusiasm for his new task, and was one of the first to take over a shift; soon to become a Range Officer, and finally appointed a Sub-section Officer.”

– The Mossband Farewell Magazine. [1]

 

  • Additionally, Eric is said to have

“worked is Sub-section up to a pitch of highest efficiency, and was always devising schemes for increasing output and reducing costs: this he was enabled to do by real hard work, and the respect and confidence of his subordinates which he won without difficultly.”

– The Mossband Farewell Magazine. [1]

Victory Avenue, Gretna. Three brick houses line a street. This is an archive photo from the past.

  • During his time working at the factory he lived latterly in one of the two townships built for it, in Gretna (the other being Eastriggs of course, with the rural site of the factory stretching from Longtown in England to Dornock in Scotland).
  • More specifically, Eric lived in 96 Victory Avenue, Gretna where he could be found in…

“his garden which he would weed on a rainy day sitting on a camp-stool under an umbrella.”

– The Mossband Farewell Magazine. [1]

The Death of Eric De Clemont

  • Unfortunately, Eric became unwell.
  • As described again in The Mossband Farewell Magazine,

“he caught influenza on 25th November and was only prevented by force from going to work. He was in high spirts when he entered the isolation hospital, but after a few days when pneumonia began to develop, he became quieter, and finally passed away on 5th December 1918.” [1]

  • Clearly, Eric seems to have been very well thought of amongst his colleges in the Mossband section of the factory.
  • This is due to his Obituary appearing in the Mossband Farewell Magazine, where he is fondly remembered with…

“his old tweed jacket; his beatific smile when one of his many little tricks was found out”[1]

and that…

“He had a schoolboy’s enthusiasm for everything he undertook, and a school’s instinct of playing the game.”[1]

  • Lastly, we know Eric was buried on 7th December 1918 at the cemetery in Rigg.

 

Sources and Further Information

  1. Page 32 – 33, The Mossband Farewell Magazine from The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s archive.
  2. The Life and Death of Eric De Clemont Blog – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/the-life-and-death-of-eric-de-clermont
  3.  The Health of the Munition Worker By Emma Gilliland, Ellie Musgrave and Dr Laura Noakes, 2022. – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/product/the-health-of-the-munition-worker
  4.  Mossband Farewell: Workers’ Writings and the Mossband Farewell Magazine, online talk given by Professor Kristie Blair on The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s YouTube – https://youtu.be/BR2jhKFb86w?si=xo5t3dCwYgue0JtN&t=1061
  5. Worker of the Week: William Haddon – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-william-haddon

Find Eric De Clemont’s online database entry 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 collage of four photos which include some slices of corn beef, a bowl of Worchester sauce, a jar of honey and some grated cheese.

Worker of the Week: Ellen Dornan

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 Gretna 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  A huge thank you to all our research volunteers.

This week’s Worker of the Week is munitions worker, Ellen Dornan.

Early Life

  • On 17th September 1896, Ellen was born in Whitehaven, Cumberland.
  • Her mother was Catherine Doran and there is no record on her father.

 

  • The 1901 census shows Ellen to still be living in Whitehaven with her mother.
  • Interestingly, Ellen is described as the sister in law to head of the household fisherman, John William Anderson.
  • Seemingly, Ellen appears to actually be John’s step daughter.

 

  • Although the family have moved to a new address in the 1911 census, they are still living in Whitehaven.
  • At this point, Catherine is listed as having 7 children in total (including Ellen) with 5 surviving.
  • Notably, all of them, excepting Emma, have the family name Anderson.

Time at H.M. Factory Gretna

  • During World War One we know that Emma worked at munitions factory, H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • Apparently, she worked as a munitions worker and we know she must have worked there from at least February 1915.

 

A collage of four photos which include some slices of corn beef, a bowl of Worchester sauce, a jar of honey and some grated cheese.

 

  • How come? Well, if you’ve read some of our other recent Worker of the Week posts you might already have an idea… [2] [3]
  • Emma was one of a group of munitions workers who were in the local Gretna “fried fish” shop when the candle was blown out on a Sunday afternoon.
  • The following day, shop owner Bani Toni found a selection of items from his shop missing!
  • Accordingly, as described in the local newspaper, Ellen was one of those who:

” pleaded guilty to stealing nine cheese plates, two cans of corned beef, six boxes of honey, and three bottles of Worcester sauce from the shop at Springfield, Gretna, occupied by Baldi Toni between 5th January and 15th February.”

–  The Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Wednesday 21st February 1917. [1]

  • Could Ellen and the other four girls involved have been regulars? After all..

“a large number of the factory girls were regular visitors at the fried fish, shop, especially on Sunday evenings.”

–  The Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Wednesday 21st February 1917. [1]

  • Either way, something tells us that they might not have been as welcome as usual after this incident…
  • Especially after they all were charged with theft! [1]

Life After the Factory

  • On 9th July 1920, Emma seems to have married Anthony Fisher in Whitehaven.
  • Later records indicate that they both continued to live in Whitehaven.
  • Additionally, Anthony appears to have worked as a colliery stone worker.

 

  • Lastly, on Christmas Eve, 24th December 1991, Emma died.

Sources and Further Information

  1. ‘Thefts BY GRETNA GIRLS,’ ‘The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, Wednesday 21st February 1917.
  2. Worker of the Week: Minnie Turnbull – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-minnie-turnbull
  3. Worker of the Week: Isabella Kennedy – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-isabella-kennedy

Find Ellen Dornan’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 black and white photo of Isabella Kennedy and a triangle shaped on War Service badge.

Worker of the Week: Isabella Kennedy

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 Gretna 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  A massive thank you to all our research volunteers for making this possible.

This week’s Worker of the Week is Isabelle Kennedy, who was involved in a corn beef theft at Gretna shop during her time working at the factory. 

Early Life

  • On 29th December 1899 Isabella was born in Workington, Cumberland.
  • Her parents were  James and Margaret Jane [Jean] Kennedy.
  • Isabella was the 2nd of 11 children.
Isabella Kennedy in a black and white photo from the past.

Photo of Isabella Kennedy from Ancestry Public Member Tree.

  • According to the 1901 census, the family were continuing to live in Workington and her father was working as a driver fireman at a steel works.
  • After this, the 1911 census, shows them still be living in Workington, although they have changed address.

 

  • Next in 1912, Isabella was enrolled to Workington Higher Standard Girls’ School.

H.M. Factory Gretna

  • Although we don’t know exactly when Isabella started working at H.M. Factory Gretna, we know she must have been working there in February 1917.
  • Why? Well, according to the local newspaper she was involved in a theft from a shop in Gretna. [1]
  • One Sunday afternoon, a group of munitions workers from the factory blew out the light in the Gretna “fried fish” shop. [1]
  • The next day, shop owner, Baldi Toni, found several items missing from his shop stock. These were:
  1. 9 cheese plates;
  2. 2 cans of corned beef;
  3. 6 boxes honey;
  4. and 3 bottles of Worcester sauce.
  • Isabella was accused alongside a group of five factory workers who all plead guilty according to the local newspaper.
  • Consequently:

“The accused were charged with theft, and they all admitted it. Mr I. F. Edgar, solicitor, made a statement on behalf of the accused, and the Sheriff deferred sentence until May.”

– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Wednesday 21st February 1917. [1]

Graphic of Worcester sauce, corned beef, honey and cheese.

 

  • Previously, we’ve touched on this theft in more detail in Minnie Turnbull’s Worker of the Week blog (you can find the link to this at the end of this blog post if you would like to read more.) [2]

Further Travels and Life After the Factory

  • Later, by the 1921 census, Isabelle was living in Bolton, Lancashire.

 

  • Following this, in 1933 she emigrated to Canada.
  • It was here, in Ontario on 9th October 1937, that she married Thomas David Allingham.
  • At this point, Isabelle was working as a nurse.

 

  • Lastly, 21st March 1959, Isabelle died in Ontario, Canada.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. ‘Thefts BY GRETNA GIRLS,’ ‘The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, Wednesday 21st February 1917.
  2. Worker of the Week: Minnie Turnbull – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/worker-of-the-week-minnie-turnbull

Photo source: Ancestry Public Member Tree.

Read Isabella Kennedy’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 will 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>

Vancouver Road, Eastriggs as shown in an Auction Book from 1924.

Worker of the Week: Herbert Sharp Greenough

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 Gretna 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 is Herbert Sharp Greenough, who worked as a chemist at H.M. Factory Gretna.

Early Life

  • On 23rd June1890, Herbert was born in Newcastle.
  • His parents were Mary Hannah Sharp and Edwin Greenough.
  • Sadly, Edwin, who worked a doctor, died when Herbert was very young.

 

  • Following this, Mary and Hebert appear to have moved to the Eccleshill, Bradford, Yorkshire according to the 1901 census.
  • Mary does not appear to have ever remarried.

Studies

  • Herbert attended Edinburgh university, seemingly training as an analytical chemist.
  • In 1884, he graduated university.

 

  • Following that, he proceeded to work as an analyst in 1911.

Active Service

  • On 13th February 1915, Herbert enlisted into the Army.
  • In fact, his enlistment papers were one of a few that survived a fire.
  • Firstly, he is in the 2nd Bradford Pals battalion, or as it officially know, the 18th (Service) Battalion, Prince of Wales West Yorkshire Regiment.
  • Secondly, on 6th September 1915, Herbert was transferred to the Royal Engineers and sent to France.

 

  • However, on the 13th September 1916 he was designated as a class “W” Army Reserve.
  • In other words, his analytical chemist training was spotted and clearly in demand.
  • The ministry of munitions needed chemists to help with the production of munitions.
  • You’ll never guess were he worked next!
A triangle shaped, brass On War Service badge. There is a crown inside the triangle with 1916 underneath it.

H.M. Factory Gretna workers would have been given an On War Service badge during their time working at the factory.

 

H.M. Factory Gretna

  • Yes, Hebert was employed as a chemist working at H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • Significantly, Herbert was  far from the only chemist to be re-directed to work at the factory.
  • One example is Cyril Callister who was sent to work at H.M. Factory Gretna after signing up to the Australian Imperial Force, but that’s far from the only one. [2]

 

Vancouver Road, Eastriggs as shown in an Auction Book from 1924.

Vancouver Road as shown in an Auction Book from 1924 (when the Factory and townships were sold).

 

  • Of course, the rural site of H.M. Factory Gretna stretched all the way from Dornock in Scotland to Longtown in Scotland.
  • Where exactly did Herbert work? Well, we think he worked in the Dornock section of H.M. Factory Gretna.
  • During his time working there he lived in one of the two townships built to serve the factory, Eastriggs (the other being Gretna).
  • More specifically the electoral roll lists him as living at “100 – 102 Vancouver Road.”
  • According to the Factory Manual at the time Eastriggs provided for the “accommodation of those workers chiefly engaged on the Dornock section.” [3]

 

Greenough, Herbert S, chemist, 100-102 Vancouver Road.

The electoral roll record in question.

Married Life

  • In June 1920, Herbert married Christine Muriel Meredyth Renny in Horsforth, Leeds.
  • Following this they seem to have had two children.

 

  • In 1939 the family moved to Essex.
  • At this point, Herbert was working as a Works Manager in Accumulator Manufacture.

 

  • Lastly, Herbert died in Essex in December 1979.

 

Sources and Further Information

  1. Bradford and the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916, Bradford District Museum and Galleries –  https://bradfordmuseums.org/bradford-and-the-battle-of-the-somme-1st-of-july-1916/

  2. Worker of the Week: Cyril Callister – https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/cyrilcallister
  3.  H.M. Factory Gretna Manual from The Devil’s Porridge Museum’s archives.

Find Herbert Sharp Greenough’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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