Mum Made Spitfire Bullets

Mum died on Christmas day, I tried hard during her final few days to get her to recount her war service so that I could contribute to this site, I failed, but now I am doing it for her based on my memory over the years.

Mum lived in Standon near Eccleshall, staffs. When war broke out the government compulsory purchased a large site at Sywnnerton. Within months it became obvious that the site was for use as an amunition factory accomadation blocks,and rail links were built.

The site was massive, and to a large extent still exists today, as an industrial estate, Heavy Goods vehicle test Station, and Army site.

Mum told me that when Woolwich was bombed the factory was moved the Swynnerton in Staffordshire.

Mum worked in the factory, she told me how she made bullets for Spitfires. 303 calibre the difference between tracer and high explosive was the filling and the amount of washers each filling was pressed to make up the bullet.

Mum told me that many women were killed due to exposions, yellow powder which I think she said was Fulmite of mercury was the most dangerous.

Group one wast particularly had a serious explosion with many people killed.

Many women had their hair turn yellow.

One story which I am not sure is true is the one concerning the 10,000lb bombs for the RAF. These came in cylinders which were not in the least bomb shaped. Any way the story is that the first deliveries of these casings went missing, later it was found that they had been "borrowed" for use as water tanks!

Considering the importance and size of the site it is surprising that the Germans did not treat Swynnerton as a high priority target.

One story is that the site was in a depression, making it impossible to see from the air.

I guess like many people who reflect on their parents life, I sit her at my PC and wish I hard listened more carefully, but at least I've told some of mum's war story. Women like her "Did their Bit" and helped us win the war.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.