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War time work in Q Shop at Swindon Works, 1942
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War time work in Q Shop at Swindon Works, 1942
This image was taken in March 1942 and shows four women operating a large pressing machine in Q Shop. The women are making 4.5inch copper bands for ammunition shells, which can be seen fully manufactured in the following image. The women are all wearing overalls with their hair tied back, but there is a distinct lack of safety equipment, such as goggles or gloves. Also, note the windows that have been blacked out as part of Swindon Works air raid precautions
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19929719
Swindon Works Women World War 2 Ammunition Bombs Shells
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR takes us back to March 1942, amidst the chaos of World War II. In this snapshot, we witness four determined women working tirelessly in the Q Shop at Swindon Works. Their mission? To produce vital ammunition shells for the war effort. The image showcases these remarkable women operating a large pressing machine with great precision and skill. Dressed in practical overalls and their hair neatly tied back, they embody strength and resilience. However, it is impossible not to notice the absence of safety equipment such as goggles or gloves – a stark reminder of how different workplace standards were during wartime. As we delve deeper into this historical moment frozen in time, we learn that these industrious ladies are crafting 4.5-inch copper bands for ammunition shells - an essential component for devastating bombs used on enemy lines. The following image reveals fully manufactured shells ready to be deployed onto battlefields. Notably, one cannot overlook the windows behind them which have been blacked out as part of Swindon Works' air raid precautions. This serves as a poignant reminder that even within their daily tasks, these brave women had to remain vigilant against potential attacks from above. This evocative photograph encapsulates both the immense contribution made by women during times of war and also highlights some of the challenges they faced while doing so. It stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication and courage throughout history's darkest moments
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