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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Warwickshire => Topic started by: alveleyhistorian on Sunday 14 March 10 22:17 GMT (UK)

Title: Longbridge east works - 1940's
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Sunday 14 March 10 22:17 GMT (UK)
Hi there,
My father worked at 'longbridge works' during the 1930's/40's - and often told us kids he had worked in the 'secret war work section' and after his shift was a member of the factories Home Guard.
By strange co-incidence we were in Longbridge this weekend for an athletics event at Cofton Park - and parked on the site of ' old east works' - my mind floated back to what my dad had said - does anyone know if any records of employees or the home guard of 'east works' still exist ?
Any help much appreciated
Title: Re: Longbridge east works - 1940's
Post by: Tricia_2 on Tuesday 30 March 10 00:34 BST (UK)
Hi,

I suggest that you contact the Local History and Archives Departments at Birmingham Central Library. I'm sure that they will be able to help.

I understand that my grandfather also did war work at Longbridge.

Edit:
It seems that the department is now called 'Archives and Heritage'

http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=Lib-Central-Archives-and-Heritage%2FPageLayout&cid=1223092750854&pagename=BCC%2FCommon%2FWrapper%2FWrapper
Title: Re: Longbridge east works - 1940's
Post by: jim1 on Tuesday 30 March 10 17:10 BST (UK)
Longbridge was a "shadow factory" as was Lucas where I worked & you could still see the camourflage paint on the walls into the 80's.Some info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Blitz

jim
Title: Re: Longbridge east works - 1940's
Post by: ChrisEM on Tuesday 21 April 15 08:59 BST (UK)
Just to revive this sleeping thread.....

If alveleyhistorian still looks at it, I have recently pulled together some bits of information and images concerning the Austin Works Home Guard unit and put it online here: http://www.staffshomeguard.co.uk/Dot...Longbridge.htm.

I should be delighted to commemorate further members of that unit, should their names become available.

Chris

Title: Re: Longbridge east works - 1940's
Post by: brummie nick on Wednesday 29 April 15 16:32 BST (UK)
Chris, your link doesn't work for me, but this one does.

http://www.staffshomeguard.co.uk/DotherReminiscences117Longbridge.htm
Title: Re: Longbridge east works - 1940's
Post by: ChrisEM on Wednesday 29 April 15 19:27 BST (UK)
Many thanks for pointing that out, brummie nick.  Should have checked it but didn't!

Could a mod amend my earlier post, please?  Delete original incorrect link and insert  http://www.staffshomeguard.co.uk/DotherReminiscences117Longbridge.htm

Thanks.

Chris