Royal Arsenal worker research

Research on people who worked in the Royal Arsenal Woolwich - All related posts here on comments.

2/23/2017

No employment records exist today however there are some accident and disability records etc. Enquiries should be sent to the Greenwich Heritage Centre or the North West Kent Family History Society http://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/ for further information.

103 Comments

Michael M

2/23/2017 05:18:31 pm

Hello, Firstly, very nice website and fascinating to read about the history of the Arsenal over the years. I came here as my great grandfather worked at Royal Arsenal as a "writer" according to the census of 1891. His name was Charles Mack and he lived at number 15 Charlotte Street, Plumstead. I wonder if you would have any information about this profession of "writer" and whether there are any records that I might be able to find relating to this man, such as payroll books or something...anything! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Michael

Mary Auckland

8/12/2021 06:02:20 pm

I also have an ancestor, Daniel Sullivan, who is recorded as a writer at the Royal Arsenal in 1881

Carol March

11/23/2021 09:57:39 am

My husbands great grandfather also worked at the Royal Arsenal as a writer between 1860 and 1890.

Molly McGeachin

2/24/2023 08:18:49 am

Hi Michael,
Did you ever find an answer to your question? My 3rd, 4th and 5th great grandfathers were also all listed as “writers” at The Arsenal so I would love to know what their job involved. Best, Molly

Victoria Lees

2/23/2017 05:21:15 pm

Hello, Could you tell me if there exists, somewhere, a list of the young men who apprenticed at the Royal Arsenal in the period 1885 to 1900? Thank you, Victoria Lees

Malcolm Tait

2/23/2017 05:28:01 pm

A great website - thank you ! My great uncle James Tait was Chief Inspector of Police at the Royal Arsenal from about 1890 to 1903. The 1901census indicates the family lived in the Inspectors Quarters at the Arsenal. Where was this building located? He would have been present when Queen Victoria's visited in 1900. Any other info about the Police at that time would be of great interest. Thanks Malcolm Tait Vancouver Canada

Ian Bull link

4/2/2017 12:41:36 am

Hullo Malcolm
Given your Great Uncle's position he'd almost certainly have lived in what became 'Avenue H'. This was a fine range of Georgian and early Victorian houses just inside the boundary wall along Plumstead Road. This accommodation was reserved for managers and various ofiicials and was sadly demolished in 1982 to make way for the major road that now passes through the Southernmost tip of the Arsenal.
It's difficult to describe exactly where this was without knowing where they were so if you'll send an e-mail to...

ianbull@btinternet.com

... I'll send you an extract of a map that will show them. He would have worked in the Main Guard House of 1788, building A83, and this remains standing in excellent condition.

All the best - Ian Bull

Carol Lansley (Tait)

7/16/2017 10:14:04 pm

This is a wonderful site giving the history of the Arsenal & information about my Great Grandfather Chief Inspector James Tait's police house - he was a Policeman for 32 years which is a great achievement considering the hardship, poverty & tough area he had to police. Could you please forward my email address to Malcolm Tait (Vancouver Canada) who posted a query on 23/02/2017 about James Tait as we obviously have an ancestry connection & I would like to share some family knowledge with him. Many thanks Carol (Bromley, Kent).

Carol Lansley foremally Tait

7/14/2017 04:30:47 pm

Hello Malcom, Cheif Inspector James Tait was my Great Grandfather, his eldest son Lieutenant James William Tait was my Grandfather & his son also James William Tait was my Father. Are you related to one of James's twin boys Donald or Peter? I would love to hear from you. Kind regards Carol

Carol (Tait) Lansley

12/1/2017 02:42:47 pm

Hi Malcolm, please contact me about Chief Inspector James Tait my paternal Great Grandfather. We must have an ancestry connection via him & his 3 sons James, Donald & Peter. Kind regards Carol Lansley

Phill Barnes-Warden

3/20/2019 11:43:43 am

Hi Malcolm, A James Tate warrant number 54915, served in the Metropolitan Police from 20th Nov 1871 - 12th Jan 1903, joined on Y Div (Highgate) and was based at the Royal Arsenal,retiring as Ch Inspector. also a James Tait was at Highhate previously with the warrant number 40406 served between 1861 - 1886, born in Saltash

Alan Tunbridge

2/23/2017 05:29:49 pm

My father, aircraftsman Alfred Albert Tunbridge, worked as a carpenter at the Arsenal from 1939 to 1945. He helped to build an all wooden air plane, apparently a large transport. Can you tell me, what was the name of that plane?

Ian Bull link

4/2/2017 12:52:26 am

Hullo Alan
Almost certainly the Airspeed Horsa. See...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airspeed_Horsa
It may have been the Slingsby Hengist. See...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slingsby_Hengist

Wikipedia won't mention the Arsenal connection but that's usual. A s your Father's service proves a vast range of military equipment was prototyped at Woolwich without any credit being given. The Arsenal just quietly got on with it's job!
Other examples are the R101 Airship and various components for the Concorde airliner.

All the best - Ian

Leena Taylor

2/23/2017 05:39:36 pm

Hello, I am writing from NZ and am searching for information about a family member who we believe was employed by the Royal Arsenal Woolwich in the late1800s. His name was William Blagden. We would much appreciate any informaiton about his time at the Arsenal. Thank you

Chris Hinds

2/23/2017 05:41:33 pm

My great grandfather John Heinze was employed as a fireman at the Royal Arsenal around 1904, I was wondering if any records are available that I can trace his history further. Thank you

Barbara West-Kelsey

11/25/2019 11:06:03 am

Very interested to read your entry, and my grndfather John(Jack) Clamp was an engine driver, must have been around that time. I habe 2 photos of him, with, I presume, his stoker, on 2 locos -the AJAX, and the COEHORN. If you pick this up and are interested, I could scn the pics - do you have any pics of your great grandfather? Maybe he is even her with mine? I am posting this 25/11/2019

Frances Dunphy

2/23/2017 05:48:56 pm

Looking for info please on Annie Fitzpatrick 11169 employed 2 yrs 6.5 months as an examiner at perivale inspection dept, park royal nw10. Discharged at her own request on 16 nov 1918. Thanking you.

Bob Needham

2/23/2017 05:50:32 pm

Hi My mother, Leila Needham (Arnall), worked in the arsenal during WW2. She made detonators for shells I believe. Is it known where this section was and is it still there? Also I had an ancestor who was on the prison hulk the Justitia in 1837. His name was Samuel Tuck Arnold/Arnall. He was later transported for life to Van Diemen's Land. I believe he worked during the day in "The Warren". Again - is The Warren still there? I intend to visit the Arsenal in late October from Australia. If possible I would like to get in contact with someone who knows the arsenal to point me in the right direction. I used to live in Belvedere during the war and my mother said that we were in a tram which was machined gunned by a German aeroplane just outside the main gate in Beresford Square. Was this raid ever recorded? Hope you can help Cheers from Oz Bob Needham

Bob Needham

2/23/2017 05:56:45 pm

Does anyone know about a tip and run raid on the Woolwich Arsenal late in WW2 where trams in Beresford Square were also machine gunned at the same time? My mother worked in the Arsenal making detonators during the war. Does anyone know where about in the Arsenal these detonators were made? Thanks in advance Bob Needham

Karen Sampson

2/23/2017 05:58:09 pm

My grandad, Timothy Charles Morton, worked as a labourer in the Royal Arsenal in WW2 and was killed when breaking down a shell at work (his date of death is 22/1/1943). Would the Arsenal records show any details of this incident at all? Thanks

Juliet Keel

2/23/2017 05:59:43 pm

Are there any records still extant of the names of the women employed at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich during he First World War? My grandmother worked there at some time (I haven't got dates but I think possibly 1917) and I should like to know more. Her name was Ida Violet Blanche Pendleton and I think at that time she was living at TheWillows, Woolwich Road, Belvedere. Many thanks -- J Keel (Mrs)

Steve Cox

2/23/2017 06:04:12 pm

Hi, I'm working on my family history and I find that my 2x grandfather moved to work at Woolwich Arsenal in about 1892/3. He'd lived in the Black Country and worked in a foundry all his life then quite suddenly moves south. Can you please advise if it was common for Black Country workers to come and join the Royal Arsenal and if so how they would have known that jobs were available? Thanks so much for your help. Best regards Steve Cox

Chris Jones

2/23/2017 06:06:10 pm

I recently found out that my father worked at the Royal Arsenal, in 1939. Would I be able to find out any information about his time there? His name was Oswald Stuart Jones, born 1903, in East Ham. Thank you. Chris Jones

Melissa Ford

2/23/2017 06:12:52 pm

My late mum was in the ATS (RAOC) and was a cook at Woolwich Arsenal from 5th Apr 1944 until Sept 1945. I can recall a story about a bomb hitting/near the kitchen. But at the time the area was clear of people Mum was putting all the chairs away on tables. What I am after is the location of the kitchen within the Arsenal and is there any evident of this incident i.e bomb hitting the same area. Many Thanks

Ian Bull link

4/2/2017 12:59:36 am

Hullo Melissa
Alas, it's not likely that any definitive could provided from your information. Some hundreds of bombs fell on the Arsenal in WW2 and there were dozens of kitchens in its two square miles. Do you have any better idea of what part of the Arsenal she worked in perhaps what Gate she used to gain access? That might narrow things down a bit.
All the best - Ian Bull

Ian Bull

4/2/2017 01:24:11 am

Just replying again so that I can click the Notify me of replies box!
Bst - Ian

Peter Beazley

2/23/2017 06:23:35 pm

I wondered if someone could help me in my search for information on my Great Grandfather Charles Hain Adams who was a warder at the arsenal during World War 1. Thanking you Peter Beazley

Chris W

4/5/2021 09:31:03 pm

Charles Adams
Battery Sergeant Major, 14756
Royal Artillery

Charles (Hayne/Hain) Adams was born in East Chinnock, near Yeovil in Somerset in early 1855 and was the third child born to John and Caroline Adams, a sail-cloth weaver and a glover respectively. Sometime between 1855 and 1861, the family moved to Woolwich where two more children were born, and John worked as an excavator and later as a dockyard labourer.

Charles was employed as a general labourer when, aged 18, on the 18th of June 1874 he enlisted into the British Army at Woolwich, signing up for 12 years service with the Royal Artillery (RA) (original number 4638 – rank Driver). On attestation, Charles was posted to the 14th Brigade (Bde) RA with the rank of Driver for his initial training. Once completed, he was transferred to the 25th Bde RA on the 1st of April 1875 and subsequently to the 2nd Division Depot Bde on the 1st of June 1876.

On the 17th of October 1876, Charles was again transferred to the 9th Bde RA which was deploying to India. Once in India on the 1st of July 1877, Charles was once again transferred, this time to the H Battery, 1st Bde RA (H/1) with whom he would spend the next 10 years.

At the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Afghan War in November 1878, Charles was stationed with H/1 in Secunderabad . After successive British victories, the initial phase of the war ended quickly with the signing of the Treaty of Gandamak in May 1879, however another uprising in September 1879 led to a second invasion of Afghanistan. H/1 formed part of Lord Roberts’ Kabul Field Force that marched into Afghanistan in October 1879, capturing Kabul on the 13th of October. Though the war would not conclude until effectively General Roberts’ defeat of the rebels at the Battle of Kandahar, H/1 had returned to India by September 1880, based in Multan.

Charles was promoted to the rank of Bombardier on the 24th of November 1881

Deployed to Egypt – 23 August 1882
Returned to India – 7 October 1882

The end of Charles’ first foray abroad came on the 28th of December 1883 when he returned to England where he was later promoted to Corporal on the 7th of August 1884.

Although without leave to do so from his Chain of Command, Charles married Norah Susan Cordery on the 26th of July 1885 in Bracknell, Berkshire. This does not appear to have counted against him though as he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on the 14th of March 1886. With his 12 years of military service drawing to an end, Charles re-engaged at Aldershot on the 12th of April 1886 for a further nine years.

Charles was transferred to H Battery, 2nd Field Bde RA on the 7th of October 1887, possibly to reinforce the battery prior to their deployment to re-join the rest of the Bde in India. Soon after, on the 22nd of November and accompanied by his expectant wife, Charles left for his second deployment to India. Whilst H Battery was based in Meerut, Norah gave birth to their first child, Alice Maud on the 11th of April 1888.

H Battery, 2nd Brigade became the 15th Battery Royal Field Artillery on the 1st of July 1889. Having moved across the country to Peshawar, Charles and Norah had their second daughter, Lilian, born on the 27th of November 1891. Soon after, Charles was posted to 1st Battery, 6th Depot Bde on the 5th of April 1892 before he and his family returned to Britain on the 3rd of May 1892. Their stay was short-lived however as Charles was promoted to Battery Sergeant Major, posted to the 45th Field Battery and redeployed to India for a third time on the 22nd of September 1893. Norah gave birth to their third daughter Elizabeth 18 months later, on the 26th of March 1895 whilst the 45th Battery were based in St Thomas Mount in Chennai, Madras.

Having now completed over his 20 years contracted service, Charles was posted to the Depot Division, Field Artillery for discharge on the 10th of October 1895 before he and his family returned to Britain for the final time on the 21st of November. Charles was finally discharged from the Army on the 10th of December 1895 having completed a total of 21 years and 175 days service.

Once he had been discharged, Charles and his family remained living near Woolwich and Charles began working as an assistant warder at the Royal Arsenal which was responsible for armament manufacture, ammunition proofing and explosives research for the British armed forces. Unfortunately, in January 1898, Norah died aged just 31. Charles married his second wife Louisa Jervis (nee Dentten/Deuthie b.1858/9) on the 17th of September 1898 who had two sons, Henry (b.1892) and Alfred (b.1894) from her previous marriage. Charles and Louisa had a son, Charles in 1900.

Charles died on the 22nd of October 1924 age 69.

Shirley-anne Ludley

2/23/2017 06:25:56 pm

I am trying to find out if my Grandparents were employed by the RA during or after WW1. I think my grandfather worked as a stoker and have been told they lived in a hutment on Crocus Road. Their names were: Augustus Frederick & Rosina Gladys Warren. Thank you

Ian Bull

4/2/2017 01:30:17 am

Hullo Shirley-Anne

The Hutments were exclusively reserved for War workers in Woolwich. That could have meant the Army Ordnance Depot in the former Woolwich Royal Naval Dockyard or one of the Barracks but the Arsenal is vastly more likely. Stoker in the Arsenal meant Locomotive Fireman as well as those who shovelled Coal into furnaces.
All the best - Ian

Lesley Wood

2/23/2017 06:28:28 pm

An ancestor living in Woolwich was described as a 'Foreman Smith' at the RA in 1851. I understand what a Smith is and that a Foreman would be in charge of the men in a factory but could you advise the particular type of work he would be doing in the RA? Earlier, in 1838 he was described as a 'Modeller' is this another occupation associated with the RA? Regards, Lesley Wood

Ian Bull link

4/2/2017 01:21:11 am

Hullo Lesley
Your ancestor would have been working with very hot and sometimes molten metal. Modelling would have referred to what we now call 'Pattern Making'. See...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_(casting)

One of the RA's oldest and most famous surviving buildings is sometimes called the Model Room of the Royal Laboratory. That once stored the patterns or models that your ancestor would have made. I should point-out that he would have been amongst hundreds so employed.
All the best - Ian Bull

Zoe St John

2/23/2017 06:29:23 pm

Hello Steve - wonderful site - thank you so much for preserving all this history. My great uncle Henry/Harry Leeson was a Chief Engineer at The Arsenal - WWI era - according to a newspaper report. How can I find records for this? He was in the RNR as a Wireless Telegraph Operator 1st Class, but was invalided out in July 1915 and then worked at The Arsenal. Would he have gone into the regular Navy for engineering training or could he have been a civilian? I'm also trying to find out how/where he studied engineering. Any help much appreciated! Thank you :) Zoe

Christine Kingham

3/30/2017 12:20:25 pm

Hi My grandfather Frederick Samuel Bullock died in 1957 and flowers were sent from Department C9, D1 Woolwich Arsenal. He was a toolmaker/engineer by trade. Dose anyone know what this Department did and when he worked there. Thanks

Pat Swenson

4/13/2017 11:20:43 am

While researching my ancestor Richard Hall born about 1700, I find him arriving at Faversham in 1735, as master carpenter and worker for the Ordnance Department at 'His Magesties powder mills'. It seems he started his career at the Woolwich Arsenal. Are there any surviving apprenticeship records or employment records from about 1715 to 1735?

Ian Bull link

7/14/2017 12:44:30 am

Hullo Pat

Sorry for the great delay in answering. I'm afraid that there are no surviving records from the Arsenal at that time but if he lived locally the Greenwich Heritage Centre may be able to help you in some way. They have a good record of doing so, they will charge but not extortionately.

'His Magesties powder mills' were not at Woolwich but at Waltham Abbey in the former County of Middlesex, now Essex. The two sites were very closely related. Perhaps you could search further by seeking records in Essex. Matters are complicated by that part of Middlesex having been divided between Essex and Greater London.

Good luck!

Ian Bull

Margaret Wells

5/21/2017 07:28:04 am

Hi, I am looking for information on a James Smith 1864 - 1921. James was an Engineer at the Royal Arsenal Engineer Unit I.W. & D. Records show James also died at the Royal Arsenal on 21 January 1921. James, his wife Ruth and their children lived at 42 St John's Road Plumstead. I am also interested in any information on William Henry Smith 1817-1876 who also worked at the Royal Arsenal as a mechanic. Any information or direction where I could find information would be appreciated.

Fredrick William spittle

7/3/2017 10:35:08 am

Can you tell me if my grandfather work on railway in the arsenal and if he did what was his job

Ian Bull link

7/14/2017 01:20:57 am

Hullo Frederick

Apologies for this delayed reply. I'm afraid there are no surviving staff records for the Royal Arsenal Railway. I wish there were!

If your Grandfather was working on the RAR in the 1950s and 60s I may be able to put you in contact with some of his former colleagues.

All the best

Ian Bull

Hilary Carr

7/13/2017 08:39:55 pm

My 3*great grandfather, Charles Ray, is listed as 'Lawyer Royal Arsenal' in the 1861 census. His son's, Charles Ray (16yrs) and Henry Ray (14yrs) are described as Labourer's Royal Arsenal.
The younger Charles Ray later moved to New Zealand, running an engineering workshop and later a bicycle shop. Would there be any records of their employment? If visiting London, what would be the best place to visit to get an idea of what working at the Royal Arsenal in 1861 was like?

Ian Bull link

7/14/2017 01:15:52 am

Hullo Hilary

I'm afraid that there's no hope of finding employment records from that era.
At present the only way to get the slightest flavour of what it was like to work in the Arsenal and that's by visiting the Greenwich Heritage Centre. I warn you, they only have a very small museum dedicated to the Arsenal. They do have a large number of photographs and maps of the establishment though.

All the best - Ian

samantha evangelista

9/10/2017 07:13:19 pm

Looking for information on Alfred Robert Ward who when married in 1902 was listed as examiner woolwich royal arsenal...
Any information you have on him would be great!

Julia Clay

10/5/2017 10:02:38 pm

Hello,

I am looking for my Grandfather Thomas George Clarke who worked at Woolwich Arsenal in 1917 as a Welder and 1918 as a Fitter accoriding to my Mother and Aunt's birth certificates. Would you have any record please?

Pat Borcherding

10/12/2017 12:55:39 pm

My great aunt Edie Chalk worked there a a clerk, i have been given an autograph book with people's poems who worked there her co workers from the Gun section Orders Branch. I also have a picture of what looks like the office workers at Woolwich Arsenal.

Steven Peterson link

10/12/2017 01:16:44 pm

Hi Pat,

Please send over poems and office works photo at Woolwich Arsenal and i will be able to add this information to this website and find out where the photo is based.

Samantha Evangelista

10/12/2017 02:52:26 pm

Would love to see poems !

Pat

10/12/2017 03:54:09 pm

I have already sent one through, there are a number of them with names. I am trying to find family members through a genealogy site to confirm they where all working there.

Julia

10/12/2017 04:05:48 pm

Pat, may I ask what genealogy site you are using for your searches please? I too look forward to the poems and memorabilia you have in your possession. Thank you.

Data Logger

10/31/2018 06:00:14 pm

Carole Jones,
General Manager,
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DSDC Llangennech,
Mwrwg Road,
Llangennech Llanelli,
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SA14 8YP

Jacqueline Andersen

1/16/2018 10:54:28 am

My grandmother Edith Emma Andersen nee Edwards also known as Anderson worked at the RA during WW1.
She later migrated to Australia, settling in Mannum. Any records of her? Relatives told me they thought she was paid very well and as children, said she was the only woman they knew who wore a watch and smoked. They said it was because there were regular explosions there.

David Underdown link

2/2/2018 09:13:33 am

Census and other records suggest quite a few Underdowns worked in the Arsenal from about the 1850s up until the 1920s. A few years ago I happened across this Old Bailey murder trial transcript which mentions my great-great-grandfather and several others who were members of the 3rd West Kent Volunteers, I imagine some of the other witnesses would also have been working at the Arsenal https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?name=19011021

David

Bernard Harris

6/14/2018 01:25:23 pm

Dear David, my grandfather Daniel Peter Clancy was a Storeholder in the Royal Arsenal in the 1880's for at least 40 years. He was in the 3rd West Kent Volunteers. He was the leading side drummer in the band which in 1908 became the 20th London Regiment. His brother James also a Storeholder served in the band. I am lucky enough to have a photograph taken of the band in circa 1904/5.
regard Bernard

Joanne Oliphant

5/1/2018 08:53:30 am

Can anyone tell me what happened on July 12th 1932? I have a death notice and have seen a picture of a gravestone where it states that my great-uncle, Robert Henry Drummond, was killed in Woolwich Arsenal on this date and I should like to know what happened. I can't find any record. Thank you

Bill obey

5/4/2018 09:52:23 am

My Step Grandfather Alfred Lingwood worked as an Inspector of Munitions from the Great War to the Second World War. He spent some time in the Newcastle area in his work for the Arsenal.
He lived in Charlton.
My other Grandfather R.W.Obey worked as storekeeper until his death in 1914.

Nick Squire

6/4/2018 01:17:30 pm

Can I echo the previous comments regarding the great website? I am trying to get some info on my grandfather Leonard Squire who was an 'Explosive Worker' in the 1939 census but was later a 'tour guide' up until he died in 1950. He had apparently lost an arm in an accident at the Arsenal sometime in between but I have no details or employment/ compensation records. Can you help?

Simon Murrell

11/9/2018 08:58:56 pm

The comments make really interesting reading, all those skilled, hard working and at times extremely brave ancestors we had. My grandfather, Harry James Murrell worked at The RA during WWII as an engineer. Living in Charlton he used to catch the train to Woolwich. He helped produce the Mulberry Harbour pontoons for D-Day. He detested the war and never spoke of it. Thanks for posting, Simon

Amanda Lee

11/28/2018 07:54:22 pm

My great uncle was a 'civilian work taker' at the arsenal. Please could you tell me what this job involved.
Thank you

Sue Fowler

6/24/2019 01:50:05 pm

Hi Amanda, not sure if you've found out what 'work-taker' means yet but I posted a similar question on the Facebook group for the Royal Arsenal, as my grandfather, Alfred Lee had his occupation recorded on my father's birth certificate as 'work-taker'. The reply that I received today to my post, suggested that this meant that he would have been waiting to take work, most likely standing outside The Arsenal waiting with others to be chosen for a job, which sounds like my grandfather must have been unemployed. This was in 1919. Hope this helps. Sue

Amanda Lee

6/24/2019 09:08:53 pm

Thank you so much, really interesting information

susan fowler

6/25/2019 05:06:46 am

Hi Amanda, bit of an update. After searching further I came across this PhD Thesis Black, John (2000). The development of professional management in the public sector of the United Kingdom from 1855 to 1925 : the case of the ordnance factories. PhD thesis Open University. In the Thesis it contains information about 'work-takers' who kept what appears to be accounting records. This would tie up with what appears on an Uncles marriage certificate (many years later) which states his father's (my grandfather) occupation as 'accountant' - so it might be that your great uncle was what we would now call an 'accountant'. Hope this helps.

Glenn Oliver

11/30/2018 11:25:10 am

Hello,
My grandfather, William John Oliver, was listed within a death certificate for his son, Cyril (my late uncle), on 15th August 1938 as an “Examiner in Woolwich Dockyard”.
The history I have found states “Woolwich Dockyard finally closed in 1869. After closure, much of the land was retained by the War office as storage space for the Ordnance Stores Department, based at the nearby Royal Arsenal”.
So he would have been working for a department of the Royal Arsenal, even if the locals still called it Woolwich Dockyard.
I know that my grandfather was enlisted at the rank of Lance-Sergeant in 1927 (in the Royal Signals at Catterick, not at Woolwich).
My question - is an Examiner still a military role, i.e. I could research his military records at that point in 1938? Or is it a civilian role, i.e. he would have left the services before then?
All answers would be appreciated.
Glenn

Penny Creed

4/29/2019 08:45:42 pm

My Grandfather, Bertram Stanley Creed (known as Stan) worked at the Arsenal before, during and after the second World War. He was evacuate to Wales during the war to manage the women who worked there. I was told he met Squadron Leader Guy Gibson as he was advising on the making of a bomb.

I believe a lot of his uncles and his father may have worked at the Arsenal too.

If there are any records of the meeting with Guy Gibson, I'd be very interested to see them.

Many thanks
Penny Creed

Judith Bell

9/27/2019 03:50:48 pm

My x2 great uncle, Joseph Benjamin Goss was a clerk in the Royal Woolwich Arsenal from at least 1881 until 1902. In 1902 he was admitted to the Kent County Asylum in Bexley and remained there until his death in 1916 at the age of 49. I wonder whether the mental illness from which he must have suffered had any impact on his work and, therefore, whether any records survive of this.

Sharon Luxford

12/5/2019 10:01:01 pm

I am looking for any information about my grandmother who worked in the Arsenal during the WW1 and during her life had some mental health issues. Her name is Ada Elizabeth King. DobAugust (not sure) and was brought up in Suffolk. If anyone has a record of anything at all I would be appreciative. Thank you

Alan Taylor

4/22/2020 11:43:51 am

Hi
Is it possible you have any Information about my father who worked in the development of radar WW2 his name is Reginald Percy Taylor b 1915 he was not the armed srvices because of his work in radar.
Regards and thankyou
alan taylor

Ian Bull

5/5/2020 03:30:26 am

Hullo Alan
I'm afraid that RAH doesn't keep any staff records at all. Also, I'm not aware of the Royal Arsenal being involved in the development of Radar so I doubt if he worked in the Royal Arsenal. I suggest that you enter 'radar history forum uk' into a search engine. I've tried that and it does bring-forth various discussion groups. You can also try this group...

https://mraths.org.uk/

They're concerned with the history of the UK's principal Radar establishment in WWII.

Good luck!

Ian Bull

John Siddle

10/15/2020 04:53:41 pm

My 3rd great Uncle Stephen Kay Wilson worked in the Inspection Dept Royal Arsenal (CIA) around 1890's. Please do you know what the role involved.

Many Thanks

Alison Dilnutt

1/20/2021 08:06:57 am

I'm researching the husband of a great aunt who worked for the Armament Inspection Department. His name was Stanley Richard Gittins and was working for them in 1939 and regularly travelled to the US and Canada as a 'Diplomat'. On his passage documents in 1940 to New York he is travelling with a number of people whose place of address in the UK is given as the Armament Inspection Department London SE9. Can you direct me to more information about this department and what role Stanley might have had please? Great website - very interesting. Alison

Joshua Cresswell Froggatt

1/25/2021 10:56:06 am

Worked I believe in the inspection department

Simon Robinson

3/18/2021 10:13:10 am

I'm researching my family history and believe my Grandad, Charles Christopher Robinson worked at the Arsenal during WW2. He was badly injured during a raid - are there any records available please?

Ian Bull

3/18/2021 04:26:48 pm

Hullo Simon
I'm afraid we have no personnel records but you could, if you haven't already, try the North West Kent Family History Society for further assistance.
All the best - Ian Bull

Debra J Hodge

3/29/2021 09:59:26 pm

I am doing family research. I've obtained the death certificate of Reginald Mitchell Fox who died November 14, 1915 at the Royal Arsenal Hospital. He died due to an accident at the arsenal where he worked as an ammunition worker. His death certificate states death was due to a fragment from an exploded fuse of a shell which lacerated his colon & right ureter. Did the arsenal assume the responsibility and burial costs of workers who died on the job? I have tried to find where Reginald was buried thru all available online genealogy websites and etc. but can't find his grave. If the Arsenal buried him, would there be a record of where they buried him? If the Arsenal buried him, would anyone know which cemetery they used for their burials. Or some kind of reference to the burial processes of workers who died on the premises? Any help would be appreciated. I am in the USA but I'm using UK genealogy websites for research.

Ian Bull link

3/30/2021 12:33:50 am

Hullo Debra

This type of accident wasn't rare although a fatality was most unlikely. The Royal Arsenal wasn''t responsible for burying those who died there although it probably contributed to the costs. I'd suggest trying the records of Plumstead Cemetery but if Reginald wasn't a local man he could have been buried elsewhere. You could also try the records of Woolwich Cemetery.
All the best - Ian Bull

Christine Taylor

4/10/2021 05:37:24 pm

My Grandfather, William Bickmore, worked as an Explosive Worker in The Royal Arsenal until his death in 1937. My Mother lived with him and her two Brothers in the huts in Bevan Road, Abbey Wood, which were built for Arsenal workmen. Also, my Great-Grandmother's second husband, Patrick Molloy, worked there as a Clerk until his death in 1909.

Emma

4/27/2021 07:45:25 pm

My great-great grandfather, Thomas Wilfred Morgan (born 1873) is listed on his 1903 marriage certificate as being a ‘Sawyer Royal Arsenal’. I would be really interested in any information about the types of work he would have carried out and what his contribution to the running of the arsenal would have been. Thanks very much.

jane kerr

3/30/2022 11:57:10 pm

HI, I am searching my family history and have found out my Grandfather Stephen Greig was killed at the Royal Arsenal 7/9/1940. I am wondering if any one has any details on him or the night of the bombing Thanks

William Montgomery Wilson and Joyce Molly Gregory

8/3/2022 10:40:04 am

Hi I am researching my family history and discovered My Grandparents both worked at the Arsenal in 1942. William Montgomery Wilson was a sergeant in RA and Joyce Molly Wilson (nee Gregory) as an Amunitions worker are shown on their marriage certificate. Any information or websites which may be able to assist me regarding their service and what their jobs actually entailed would be greatly appreciated Bev Wilson

Ian Bull

8/3/2022 10:33:26 pm

Hullo Bec

You’ve asked the most frequent of all on-line questions. Alas, there are no surviving staff records from the Royal Arsenal except for 1916, and those are inaccessible at present.

By the 1900s the Arsenal was already employing many thousands in a vast variety of trades. You could try the North West Kent Family History Society.

https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk

I’m sorry that I cannot be of greater assistance.

All the best

Ian Bull

John Brittain

9/28/2022 04:29:55 pm

Does anyone have any information relating to the firing trials at Port Royal, Jamaica with the 3-inch Unrotated Projectile ? I believe that 2,500 rockets were fired, early in 1939. My grandfather, Dr John Brittain was the senior explosives and propellants expert present at the trials. He worked in the explosives directorate from 1932 to 1939 and on rockets from late 1935. I am interested to know the names of any staff who were sent to Jamaica. I think that John Waterlow Sewill was one, also any info on my grandfather.

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Fusilier Thomas B. Atterbury of the 13th (Home Defence) Battalion

1/20/2023 07:27:10 pm

I'm interested in more details on the following:Thomas B. Atterbury was awarded the Royal Humane Society Lifesaving Medal in Bronze for a successful act in the Royal Humane Society Annual Report of 1940 as a result of case number 55645 for an act carried out at Woolwich Arsenal on 23rd December 1939.

Ian Bull

1/20/2023 10:50:47 pm

If you can supply a date we may be able to tie this in with an aerial bombing raid.

John

1/20/2023 11:08:57 pm

The life saving event happened on 23 December 1939, I hope this helps.

Ian Bull

1/21/2023 12:59:08 am

Hullo John

That predates the beginning of the aerial bombardment so I'm afraid we'll have no records. Sorry!

John Liffiton

1/21/2023 03:36:00 am

Hi Ian,
I wondered about that. Sadly I don’t think the details will see the light of day as it was war time and I suspect the government kept any details out of the papers. Thanks for looking! Cheers, John

Kayne Mountney

3/21/2023 08:53:49 am

Hi

My Grandfather Ernest F Blockage was a MOD policeman living at the royal arsenal after ww2, he would be the armed guard for the troops salaries at the Woolwich barracks. Would love more info about him, he had his family living in the Arsenal, including my Mother who has young memories.

Tracy Noble

4/23/2023 10:58:59 pm

my great great grandfather Alfred Garnham was a messenger in the woolwich arsenal in the 1921 census. What would his job involve and where can i find out more information

Ian Bull

4/23/2023 11:17:44 pm

Hullo Tracy
I'm afraid no staff records exist but he would have been carrying documents and plans as messages were conveyed on the Arsenal's private telephone network. Alfred might have had quite a difficult job as the Arsenal had over 1,100 buildings on a site 3 1/4 miles long. All the maps were secret and he'd have had to memorise one, if he was allowed to see it. The last surviving messenger who I know of got the job (in 1959) because he was highly proficient at riding a bicycle!

Gary Hodson

5/6/2023 06:15:02 pm

My Grandfather, Albert Henry Hodson, was transferred from Woolwich Arsenal to the then new ordnance depot in Donnington, Shropshire around 1940. He was born 1897 and died 1971. He's on the 1939 register as a labourer but I have seen on some previous records he's listed as an Engine Driver. I just wondered if there might be any records of those who were transfered to Donnington.

Ian Bull

5/9/2023 09:38:59 pm

Hullo Gary

I'm afraid we don't keep any staff records and as far as I know none exist except for 1916. MoD Donnington remains a very important military establishment and I can only suggest that you contact them. I'm sorry that I cannot be of more assistance.

David Barker

5/28/2023 12:19:59 pm

At least four of my forebears, all called DIBBLIN, worked at the Arsenal, they were my Great great great grandfather and his sons and grandson and I show below what I know of their history at the Arsenal.

Firstly; Charles Dibblin (b. 1765 /70; d. 2.11.1835) Baptised at St Olaves. Southwark.
Married Tamer Chander on 12.2.1787 at St. Olave’s Southwark.
Children; CHARLES, WILLIAM, (Also six other children.)

(He was actually the son of another Charles Dibblin who was born on 16th November 1738 and was baptised at St. John’s, Westminster. We don’t know if he worked at The Arsenal.)

This Charles, born in 1765, lived and worked at The Arsenal in Woolwich. He was a Foreman of Carpenters in 1809, a Master Artificer in 1811, and a Master Wheeler and in 1812 was awarded five guineas for his improvements to the fire engines invented by Mark Noble. In May 1818 an order was issued “That in future the fire engines in the Royal Arsenal were to be repaired in the R.C.D. owing to the presence there of Charles Dibblin who by then had been recognised as an expert.” His pay by then was £109:10:0d per annum. He retired on Feb 1st 1822 on a pension of £32:17:0d per annum.

Second; Charles Dibblin (b.19.8.1795.)
All we know of this man is from the following entries in the records ;
“February 20th 1824 Charles Dibblin son of Charles Dibblin, late Master Wheeler in the R.C.D. who lost a limb in the execution of his duty is ordered to be taken on as an apprentice in the R.C.D.”
And later, “ 13th December 1824 Charles Dibblin appointed Foreman of Machinery in the R.C.D.”

Third ; William Dibblin (b. September 6th 1797 d. 31.3.1852)
Married Elizabeth Morgan in 1824
Children; CHARLES, (Also four other children)
Apprenticed at The Royal Carriage Department, Woolwich Arsenal in 1809.
We have the Letters of Indenture to William Cuppage Inspector of the Royal Carriage department in The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, signed by his father.

Fourth ; Charles Dibblin (b. 26.9.1829; d. 3.10.1911)
Married Sarah Bugey at St. Lukes, Finsbury
Children ; MARIA (Also six others.)
He started at Woolwich Arsenal as a boy in 1843 earning 9d per day,. By March 1848 he was a labourer in the Royal Laboratory and in 1855 he was Foreman of the Magazine and Cartridge Sheds in the R.L., his pay being 4s 4d per day. In 1861 he was Foreman in the Carriage Department and in 1873 a Foreman in the Royal Laboratory. He volunteered as a Policeman and we have his baton or ’night-stick’ marked C.D. and R.L., we assume for Charles Dibblin and Royal Laboratory and dated 1868.
We also have some of his love letters to Sarah. In 1873 lived at 4 Melville Terrace.
He retired to Hull in about 1886 and wrote poetry and eulogies for the fishermen lost at sea off the East Yorkshire coast. We have his hand written book of those.

Maria Dibblin (b. 7.9.1864 ; d. June 1935)
Maria was born at Woolwich and lived at 27 Conduit Road, Woolwich with her mother
Sarah in 1881, but moved to Wakefield where she married Alfred Darley at Skirlaugh .
Children ; Winifred Lilian and Nellie Florence.

Winifred married Rowland Barker and they had two children including me, David Barker.

David Barker

5/30/2023 10:15:23 am

In my family archives there is mention of a photograph of twenty seven of the Foremen in the Royal Laboratories and there is a handwritten list of them, I have tried to decipher the original as best I can, but there are still a few words I am not sure about .Regrettably the photograph has been lost. Here is my interpretation;-

1 Mr Henry Foreman of Blacksmiths
2 Mr Dibblin Foreman Ammunition Desks
3 Mr Rowe Foreman Issuer of ****
4 Mr Keeble Clerk to the manager
5 Mr Tompkins Foreman shell foundry left to join Krupps firm in Germany
6 Mr Whitehill Foreman of fitters. Inventor of Clay Plug Machine” a specially clever man
7 Mr Toppee Foreman shell foundry and pattern-makers
8 Mr Davidson General Manager
9 Mr Holliday Principal foreman Comp******m Desks
10 Mr Daller Foreman pipeline drains & steam boilers
11 Mr Mabbett Foreman Empty cartridge cases and small arms.
12 Mr Bush Foreman Metal turners
13 Mr Cook Foreman *** Rockets
14 Mr Bearfoot Snr Foreman Carpenters
15 Mr Budd Foreman Metal Powder Case Making
16 Mr Phillips Coxswain Dept Boat
17 Mr Bearfoot Jnr. Principle ***d department.
18 Mr McCullum Foreman Fuze filling & finishing
19 Mr Lowe Draughtsman . Afterwards Asstn Manager, an Improver of the Whitehead torpedo.
20 Mr Proctor Foreman Sawyers
21 Mr Ashton Forman B**d Turners
22 Mr Carlisle Foreman Tailors
23 Mr Dance Foreman Lights & Fireworks- generally
24 Mr Cook Foreman Tubes- quill & metal
25 Mr Hayes Foreman Ironfounders
26 Mr Ledingham Foreman Coopers
27 Mr Stevenson Foreman Printers

Then at the bottom of the page it says;-

The above are Foremen of the Royal Laboratory Woolwich Arsenal
Photographed by Mr Spiller- Chemist in front of Chemical
Department at Arsenal= this enlarged copy is believed to be the
only one extant- the frame made in carpenters Shop in Labs.

One would think that this would be around the 1860s as the department had two photographers in 1862,( See below) The only surnames I can trace, apart from my GGF Charles Dibblin, are Cook, Carlisle, Henry and Bearfoot .

Of the Bearfoots I have found:-
Edward and Richard were “boys” in 1841,
But if it was taken around 1864 the two Bearfoot “boys” Edward and Richard would then have been in their thirties, so perhaps it is they who are the Foremen on the list.

Of the Henrys there is this:-
“15th April 1840. The following boys are to be apprenticed in the R.L., John Henry, son of Robert Henry to John Tozer, Master Smith.” Tozer retired in 1842 and was succeeded by Austin Tyer who retired in Jan 1856. I don’t know who took his place as Master Blacksmith but it could well have been John Henry, Number 1 on the list.
Re Carlisle there is this:-
Joseph Carlisle Master Turner R.L. retired in Jan 1856. He had taken the place of his father Thomas Carlisle in 1828.
In 1855 a Thomas Carlisle was a Clerk in the R.L.

Re Cook;
A Joseph Cook appointed as Warden of Fire, Mains, Gas etc, in the R.L. in Feb 1856.

The Dibblin number 2 on the list, must be Charles Dibblin who was a “boy” of 13 in the R.L. in 1824 and transferred to the Storekeepers Dept in March 1855 and appointed Foreman in the Magazine and Cartridge Sheds when he would have been 26.

There seem to have been a large number of sons following in their father’s footsteps, many with the same christian name as their father, which doesn’t make tracing who is who very easy! And of course the writer of the list may have got the job titles wrong or mixed up.

However; this may help with finding the date of the photograph,
His obituary reads:-

“John Spiller, Born in Holborn 1833. Christened October 15 1833 in Holborn. Photographer living at 2 St Mary's Road, Islington. 1901: Joined the Woolwich Arsenal as an assistant chemist in 1856. In 1861 he founded the Photography Department . He left in 1868.
Member of the Photographic Society (later The Royal Photographic Society) from 1867; President 1874 - 1875.”

There are several articles in the RPS magazine at that time including one in March 1864 marked (from Chemical Department, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich)

So my conclusions, at the present, are that the photograph was taken by John Spiller in between 1856 and 1864 and shows 27 of the Foremen at The Royal Arsenal Laboratory including ;
No.1, John Henry of the Blacksmith Dept
No. 2 Charles Dibblin of the Cartridge Sheds
No.13 Joseph Cook of the Fire Dept or of the **** Rockets dept
Or No. 24 Mr. Cook of the Tubes, Quill & Metal Dept
No.14 Edwin (or Richard) Bearfoot of the Carpenters Dept
No. 17 Richard (or Edwin) Bearfoot Principle of B**d Dept

David Barker

6/3/2023 08:58:40 am

If anyone has a very old photo of 27 men in front of the R.l. and doesn't know who they all are maybe, they would get in touch on here and see whether I have the answer !

Clive Herbert

7/16/2023 03:48:35 pm

Arthur Robert CHAPMAN.
My Grandfather AR Chapman was a 'Rifle tester' according to his 1917 Marriage Certificate when he lived at 29 Brandon Road Walthamstow.
In 1921 he is shown on Census as living at 17 Seymour Road East Ham and working at 'Royal Woolwich Arsenal' (no dept shown.
Any info re him would be much appreciated.

Colleen Moffat link

8/9/2023 07:52:47 pm

Looking for any info re Thomas McCarthy #14213 D Battery 1st brigade enlisted 1876? Gunner. Attestation paper and again enlisted Royal artillery 1900rha. Any info greatly appreciated

Clive Herbert

8/9/2023 10:13:05 pm

I mentioned in another post 7/23 that my Grandfather Arthur Robert Chapman was a 'rifle tester' in 1917 and 'working for the Royal Arsenal' in the 1921 census, and appreciate work records don't exist. He lived in Walthamstow / East Ham at the time, North of the river.
Is it possible he worked in Enfield rather than Woolwich?
Where were rifles made (and tested) at the RA? Woolwich, or could he have worked elsewhere at a satellite plant?

Ian Bull

8/9/2023 11:15:19 pm

Hullo Clive

Although rifles were not made in the Royal Arsenal by 1917 (that task had moved exclusively to Enfield) they were certainly tested there. This work went on until the Arsenal's closure in 1994 by which time it was being done under the auspices of the MoD's Quality Assurance Directorate.

The Arsenal could not provide all the manufacturing needs of a growing military and thus functions were dispersed to new establishments. Examples are the Royal Aircraft Establishment, the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and of course the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Yet, the Arsenal remained the centre of military science and the testing of weapons continued there long after manufacture had been transferred elsewhere.

A new velocity testing range for small arms was built in the late 1950s.

All the best - Ian Bull

Clive Herbert

8/10/2023 09:48:06 am

Hi Ian , Many thanks for your info which is very interesting. My quandary is that with Grandad living in Walthamstow, his closest location for him to work may well have been Royal Small Arms at Enfield but the 1921 Census says working at the Woolwich Royal Arsenal. I guess I have to get my head around the idea that he would get a bus or train, then cross the river to Woolwich every day> I shall be trying to establish more about his work from within the family records if at all possible. Thanks again.

Stephen Phelps

8/15/2023 01:14:45 pm

My grandfather George James Phelps (b. 1883) worked at the Arsenal during WW1. I believe he was a toolsetter. I have no photos of him at work, but I do have a photo of the team of women who worked with him - which I can let you have if it's helpful

Research on people who worked in the Royal Arsenal Woolwich - All related posts here on comments.

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