Rights Managed > STEAM Museum of the GWR > The Railway at War > Second World War
Production line for wartime shells in No. 24 Shop, Swindon Works, 1942
Filename: 6.jpg
Size: 2532 x 1643 (962KB)
Date: 10th March 2014
Source: STEAM Museum of the GWR
Unique Reference Number: HWW2-1 040
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum
Production line for wartime shells in No. 24 Shop, Swindon Works, 1942
No.24 Shop, on the Carriage and Wagon side of Swindon Works was fitted out with two production lines for 25-pounder shells. The refurbishment was quite a feat and required the excavation of new foundations for heavy machinery and furnaces. The Production line is in full operation in this photograph from February 1942. The various machines are fully manned by female operatives who finished, turned, weighed and riveted the 25-pdr shells and in total produced over 63, 000 of them. A stack of machined shells can be seen on the floor to the left and centre of the image
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19929685
Swindon Works Women Bombs Shells
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> People
> War Workers
> The Railway at War
> Second World War
> Swindon Works
> Carriage and Wagon Works
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR takes us back to 1942, showcasing the remarkable production line for wartime shells in No. 24 Shop at Swindon Works. This shop, located on the Carriage and Wagon side of Swindon Works, was transformed into a hub of activity with two production lines dedicated to crafting 25-pounder shells. The refurbishment of No. 24 Shop was no small task; it involved excavating new foundations to accommodate heavy machinery and furnaces necessary for shell production. In this snapshot captured in February 1942, we witness the full operation of the production line as female operatives diligently man various machines. These skilled women play an integral role in finishing, turning, weighing, and riveting each 25-pdr shell that rolls off the assembly line. Their dedication and expertise shine through as they tirelessly work towards their mission during World War II. A testament to their hard work can be seen in a stack of machined shells resting on the floor to both left and center of this image – a visual representation of over 63,000 shells produced by these incredible women. This photograph not only highlights their contribution but also serves as a reminder of Swindon Works' vital role during wartime efforts. It showcases how ordinary people came together under extraordinary circumstances to support their country's defense needs while breaking gender barriers along the way.
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