Trail celebrates workers who built WW2 aircraft

A new heritage trail is celebrating the aircraft workers who played a pivotal role in winning World War Two.

The trail in Coopers Edge in Gloucester, shows the history of the Gloster Aircraft Company, which was in operation from 1917 to 1963 and assembled about 10,000 planes on the site at Hucclecote.

Britain's first jet aircraft also completed its maiden test flight there, and the area suffered significant bomb damage during the Second World War because of its strategic importance.

Ted Stevens, vice chair of Hucclecote Parish Council, said: "Although it's a big housing estate now, a lot of people don't realise this happened underneath their living room floors."

Stevens said a "lot of work" has gone into developing the trail and he was happy to finally officially open it on Friday.

He said Gloster Aircraft Company employed 14,000 people at one point.

"It had a big impact on the area," he added.

Liz from Cheltenham said her father Jack Parker worked on the site as an apprentice.

"He carried on into World War Two, working in the drawing office as a drafts man," she said.

"I was able to go to see the last Javelin when it was on the production line. I was five.

"They had great Christmas parties, they were on the site - glorious tea. Then they had presents as well."

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