Munition workers in a shell warehouse at National Shell Filling Factory No.6, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire in 1917.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
The role women played in the two World Wars iswell knownandwell appreciated.
One vital role women played was ensuring that the soldiers in the front line had adequate ammunition.
Munitions factories were often the enemys prime target with sites routinely flattened by bombing.
There was also the risk of explosions.
If they tapped too hard, it would detonate."
Women were strip searched everyday they went to work.
They had to remove all objects containing metals including brassieres that contain metal clips and hair pins.
Freak accidents with explosives were common and they took the lives of many workers or left them injured.
At least three major explosions occurred during this period killing more than three hundred workers and injuring hundreds more.
Another occupational hazard of working in a munitions factory was the constant exposure to toxic chemicals.
The manufacture of both TNT and cordite involves such corrosive substances such as sulfuric and nitric acid.
Female workers in the Finishing Room, No.
14 National Filling Factory, Hereford.
Some workers reported bone disintegration in later life, while others developed throat problems and dermatitis from TNT staining.
Some women even gave birth to bright yellow babies.
These babies were called Canary Babies.
Its called The Devils Porridge Museum.
Stirring the Devils Porridge at HM Factory Gretna.
Photo credit: the Devils Porridge Museum, Gretna.
Women workers preparing nitre to be taken to the Gretna munitions factory.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
A female munitions worker inspecting Mills hand grenades in a British factory.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
A female munition worker at work in a factory at an undisclosed location.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
A female munition worker painting shells in a factory at an undisclosed location.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
Female workers painting aerial bombs in a factory, June 1918.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
