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.

58 Comments

Michael M

2/23/2017 09:18:31 am

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

Victoria Lees

2/23/2017 09:21:15 am

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 09:28:01 am

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

4/1/2017 05:41:36 pm

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 03:14:04 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 09:30:47 am

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 06:42:47 am

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 04:43:43 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 09:29:49 am

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

4/1/2017 05:52:26 pm

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 09:39:36 am

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 09:41:33 am

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

Frances Dunphy

2/23/2017 09:48:56 am

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 09:50:32 am

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 09:56:45 am

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 09:58:09 am

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 09:59:43 am

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 10:04:12 am

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 10:06:10 am

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 10:12:52 am

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

4/1/2017 05:59:36 pm

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

4/1/2017 06:24:11 pm

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

Peter Beazley

2/23/2017 10:23:35 am

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

Shirley-anne Ludley

2/23/2017 10:25:56 am

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

4/1/2017 06:30:17 pm

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 10:28:28 am

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

4/1/2017 06:21:11 pm

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 10:29:23 am

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 05:20:25 am

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 04:20:43 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

7/13/2017 05:44:30 pm

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 12:28:04 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 03:35:08 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

7/13/2017 06:20:57 pm

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 01:39:55 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

7/13/2017 06:15:52 pm

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 12:13:19 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 03:02:38 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 05:55:39 am

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 06:16:44 am

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 07:52:26 am

Would love to see poems !

Pat

10/12/2017 08:54:09 am

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 09:05:48 am

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 11:00:14 am

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

Jacqueline Andersen

1/16/2018 02:54:28 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 01:13:33 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 06:25:23 am

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 01:53:30 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 02:52:23 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 06:17:30 am

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 12:58:56 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 11:54:22 am

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 06:50:05 am

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 02:08:53 pm

Thank you so much, really interesting information

susan fowler

6/24/2019 10:06:46 pm

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 03:25:10 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 01:45:42 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 08:50:48 am

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.

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

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