The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

spoons

Russell Brown has joined a campaign for recognition for Munitions Workers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-16001194

He has appealed for information about munitions workers on his website (link from article).

I have sent in the info that I have about:

Robertina Murray (Lochmaben war memorial)

Chf Engr R Gibson (Urr war memorial)

Roberta E Robertson (Gretna and Dumfries war memorials)

Reginald Peter Purcell (buried at Dornock)

If anyone knows of anyone else, perhaps you would be kind enough to submit the information.

\Paul

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

Surely they are already recognised, even though civilians, on the war memorials mentioned.

I am not sure what can be achieved by handing out more badges as most from WW1 are already dead. As far as I know their work was recognised by a special badge showing them as Munitions Workers at the time.

I wonder where it will all end. In one way or another hunderds of thousands of civilians have been involved ( some died and injured ) in civilian war work over the years.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

spoons · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 11:59 am Post subject:

I have only found 3 who are named on local war memorials, certainly there were many more than that killed in the course of their work and these are not commemorated anywhere to my knowledge. The campaign is to get them all recognised, not just those who died.

We have memorials to Animals and Lumberjills, so why not Munitions Workers? There is also a veterans badge for Women's Land Army and the campaign is specifically for both world wars so a good many of them will still be alive.

\Paul

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

Paul

I may be wrong but I think the Womens Timber Corps and the Womens Land Army were organsations set up by the government and the animals were " serving " the military. None were in civilian employment, as was the case with munition workers.

In the case of Robertina Murray she may well be entitled to war grave status and therefore commemorated in perpetuity by CWGC. I looked into her some time ago and there may be details on the Forum. If you can contact her NOK and obtain her service file I would be interested in the details. It is more likely she is listed at Lochmaben having served in the A.T.S. than being involved in munitions.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

spoons · Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 4:20 pm Post subject:

Sorry Jim, I started this thread because an MSP was seeking help in an area in which members of this forum could help. If you have nothing positive to say, I really think you should keep your negative thoughts to yourself.

\Paul

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire