Comrades of the National Factory - Abbey Wood - Pocket Watch

[alexcrosse]

Hi, I wondered if anyone might have any information or pictures available of Abbey Wood Lady Munitions Workers. 

This watch was given to Great Grandfather when he was in basic training before going to Passchendaele at the age of 18. Previously he worked here. I've only ever heard of watches being given as long service gifts, so this seems quite out the ordinary.

Is the number an 8? Does it read "8 Comrades of the National Factory", and if so what does this mean and who are they?

I've found a couple of images. But any images or documents available of the Ladies in Abbey Wood Munitions up to 1917 would be fantastic. 

Thanks, Alex 

[tootrock]

That is possibly an ampersand. "Lady Munition Workers & Comrades of the National Factory"

Martin

[alexcrosse]

yep! that makes more sense 

[KizmeRD]

There’s a photo of the ladies of the primer department in an earlier thread.

National Filing Factory No.11 at Abbey Wood aka Kings Norton Metal Co.

l’m guessing that Leonard may have worked their as a young man before being old enough to join up,and that the watch was a leaving present.

MB

 

Edited 30 October , 2021 by KizmeRD

[BullerTurner]

Abbey Wood, Kent for the sake of clarification!  Just along the way from Woolwich!

[Terry_Reeves]

An interesting thread on Facebook about Abbey Wood which includes the factory.

https://www.facebook.com/AbbeyWoodHistory/posts/national-filling-factory-abbey-wood-1917during-wwi-the-royal-arsenal-at-woolwich/2252050824810709/

TR

Edited 26 November , 2021 by Terry_Reeves