Image Licensing : Swindon Works War Work, 22nd January 1942

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative photograph captures the determination and resilience of a female munitions worker at Swindon Works on 22nd January 1942. Amidst the backdrop of World War II, the woman is intently focused on her task, machining a 25 Pounder Direct Fire Shot (PDR) shell for the Ministry of Supply. Swindon Works, then owned by the Great Western Railway (GWR), played a pivotal role in the war effort, producing essential munitions and armaments for the British armed forces. The image is a poignant reminder of the vital contribution made by women in the war effort, as they took on roles previously held by men who had been called to the front. Women's employment in munitions factories increased dramatically during this period, with over 60,000 women working in munitions factories in Swindon alone by 1943. The woman's expression conveys a sense of concentration and purpose, as she expertly operates the machinery, her hands deftly guiding the raw material into the desired shape. The photograph also offers a glimpse into the working conditions of the time, with the dimly lit workshop and the industrial machinery dominating the scene. This photograph, issued by the Ministry of Supply, is a testament to the remarkable spirit of the Swindon community during World War II, as they came together to support the war effort and ensure the production of essential munitions for the British military.