WW1 & WW2

This article explores the historical trajectory of the Thames Ammunition Works located in Slade Green, Erith. It details the site’s pre-industrial use, the foundation and operations of the factory, significant incidents, and its impact on the local community. The study also captures the legacy of the site, its transformation post-closure, and the lasting social and historical significance in the region.

Introduction

The Thames Ammunition Works in Slade Green was an essential component of the British munitions industry, especially during periods of heightened conflict, such as the Boer War and World War I. This research aims to comprehensively document the site’s history, including its establishment, major incidents, societal impacts, and eventual decline. Understanding the development and influence of such facilities helps paint a picture of the regional industrial heritage and its contribution to national efforts during times of war.

Pre-Industrial History of the Site

Early Landscape and Usage

Before the rise of industrial activity, the area that became Slade Green was predominantly marshland, characterized by a network of waterways that defined much of the Thames estuary region. Historical maps from the early 19th century, including old Ordnance Survey records, indicate that the land was largely uninhabited and used for limited agricultural purposes. Farmers cultivated hardy crops that could withstand the often waterlogged soils, while small-scale fishing supplemented local diets. There were no significant settlements, and the proximity to the River Thames suggested that the area may have been used intermittently for livestock grazing.

Ownership and Land Use in the Early 19th Century

Ownership of the land prior to the factory’s establishment was held by private landowners who exploited the marshy terrain for basic agriculture and livestock rearing. Archival council documents suggest that the land’s utility was largely undervalued until the mid-19th century, when the growing urbanisation of nearby Woolwich and the associated military presence in the area made Slade Green an attractive location for industrial development. By the latter part of the century, the proximity to both the railway network and the River Thames contributed to its selection as the site for an ammunition works.

Establishment of Thames Ammunition Works

Founding and Early Development

The Thames Ammunition Works was founded in 1879 on the bit of land between the rivers Thames and Darenth. The development was part of a broader expansion in British munitions manufacturing to meet rising military needs during colonial conflicts. Initially, the factory was known simply as the “Slade Green Munitions Plant” but was later recognised formally as the Thames Ammunition Works after significant expansion during the 1890s. The site covered around 40 acres, a large portion of which remained marshy, reflecting the challenging landscape.

Technological Setup and Expansion

The factory employed basic large-scale manufacturing techniques, utilising steam-powered machinery for the production of gunpowder and for filling shells. In 1902, the site was acquired by Armstrong Whitworth, a major British engineering and armament company, which saw the expansion of facilities and operations. Its strategic location near the Thames allowed for efficient transport of materials, while rail infrastructure provided crucial distribution channels.

In 1897, the site experienced a major setback when an exceptionally high tide wrecked large portions of the factory, which lay mostly under water. The factory had to undergo substantial reconstruction, reflecting the vulnerabilities of operating in low-lying estuarine land.

Evolution of Production and Role in Conflicts

Production During Peacetime and Wartime

During peacetime, production focused on maintaining military supplies and experimenting with new explosives. During World War I, however, production ramped up significantly. The factory became a key supplier of ammunition, employing thousands of workers to meet the demands of the war effort. Many of these workers were women, known as “munitionettes,” who took over the workforce while men were serving on the front lines. Their work was often dangerous and involved long hours.

The factory was later incorporated into Vickers-Armstrong, an expansion that allowed the works to cover an even larger area during the First World War. A light railway, known as the Trench Warfare Light Railway, linked the site to the North Kent Railway, facilitating the transport of materials both internally and externally.

Impact on the Local Economy and Society

The factory brought significant economic growth to Slade Green and the surrounding areas. Housing developments emerged to accommodate the growing workforce. However, the working conditions were hazardous, with employees often exposed to chemicals such as TNT, which led to health issues like skin discolouration (“canary skin”). Despite these dangers, the factory provided stable employment in an era of uncertainty.

Incidents, Accidents, and Safety Concerns

Accidents and Explosions

• 1897 – High Tide Destruction: The factory was severely damaged by an exceptionally high tide, resulting in significant operational disruption.
• 1924 – Filling Factory Explosion: On February 19, 1924, a terrible disaster occurred at the Slade Green Filling Factory, which was part of the broader Thames Ammunition Works. The incident involved 18 girls and a foreman, Edward Jones, who were working on breaking down Verey light cartridges. The explosion claimed the lives of 11 of the girls and the foreman, while another worker, Miss Edna Allen, succumbed to her injuries later at Erith Cottage Hospital. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the suddenness of the explosion, which turned the building into an inferno, trapping the workers inside. The event was widely reported, and seven of the girls who died were buried in a collective grave, underscoring the tragedy’s impact on the community.
• 1953 – North Sea Flood: On January 31 and February 1, 1953, the North Sea flood struck the Thames Ammunition Works. Despite embankments that were meant to protect the facility, the site was inundated, leading to operational setbacks. The flood highlighted the vulnerability of the location and disrupted production.
• 1956 – Powder Explosion: On February 18, 1956, an explosion involving waste ammunition powder injured three workers. George Cately, Thomas Pritchard, and Henry Shepherd were injured when the powder exploded while being wheeled to a dump. The incident underscored ongoing safety challenges at the factory, despite advancements in industrial processes. Later in April 1956, another explosion injured two women, Mrs. Mabel Clifton and Miss Florence Dawn, while they were working with gunpowder-infused polythene discs.

Impact on Workers and Community

The risks involved in working at Thames Ammunition Works were ever-present. The explosions not only claimed lives but left psychological scars on the community. Many of the workers were local, and the loss of life during incidents like the 1924 explosion brought the community together in collective mourning, exemplified by the funeral of seven girls in a single grave in Erith Cemetery. These events forged a deep bond among the residents, who were united in the shared hardships of the wartime production environment.

6. Trivia, Facts, and Lesser-Known Stories

Unusual Events and Anecdotes

One anecdote that stands out involves a group of workers who successfully prevented a catastrophic explosion by quickly disposing of a defective shell, risking their lives. This act of bravery was commended, with workers receiving modest compensation. The incident reflects the high-risk environment of the factory and the courage shown by its workforce.

Local Legends and Myths

The factory’s location and the dangerous work fostered local myths, such as rumours of secret underground tunnels used for covert transport of materials. These stories, while not substantiated by evidence, have become part of the local folklore, contributing to the mysterious aura of the site.

Decline and Closure of the Thames Ammunition Works

Post-War Decline

Following World War II, the demand for munitions sharply declined. The factory began reducing its operations, and by 1962, the Thames Ammunition Works had officially closed its doors. Economic changes, alongside advancements in weapons technology, rendered much of the site obsolete. The site’s operations were gradually wound down until the final closure.

Repurposing or Redevelopment

After the closure in 1962, the site was largely abandoned, and many of the buildings fell into disrepair. In subsequent years, much of the land was repurposed for residential housing. Today, there are few visible remnants of the factory, though some internal rails from the Trench Warfare Light Railway still exist, albeit overgrown and largely forgotten.

Legacy and Impact

Socio-Economic Impact

The Thames Ammunition Works left a lasting imprint on Slade Green. The influx of workers during its operational years transformed the area, establishing a working-class community with deep ties to the site. Even after the closure, the stories of sacrifice and the hardships endured by workers became part of the local narrative, preserved through community efforts and oral histories.

Historical Significance and Preservation

The Thames Ammunition Works’ contribution to Britain’s wartime efforts was substantial. Unfortunately, formal preservation efforts for the site have been minimal. Occasional commemorative events by local historical societies serve as the only markers of the site’s significance. The industrial heritage of Slade Green thus lives on primarily through the shared memories of its community members.