Stories from the Store: Sue Radlett and C T Brocks Ltd Munitions

When war broke out, C.T. Brocks Crystal Palace Fireworks in Cupid Green, near Hemel Hempstead, became a munitions factory.

Many local residents undertook war work at the factory, include Sue Radlett.

Sue recalled, "we had to show passes at the gate and leave all tobacco, cigarettes and matches in lockers provided near the bicycle sheds."

One of the biggest risks in the munitions factory was fire, and this included from air raids.

"Fire watching at night was made compulsory for all over sixteen. We formed groups of ten and manned a small narrow hut. It had a table, two long forms, two gas heaters and ten wooden bunks fixed to the walls. Army blankets, pillows and a ration of tea, sugar and powdered milk were provided. Sausages were not rationed, so we generally had sausage and chips. On Tuesday or Friday, two of us would cycle down to get fish and chips from a shop in the High Street. Before supper we did a fire drill with bucket and stirrup pump."

Taken from "The Home Front" life in the Dacorum area during the Second World War 1939-1945 available to buy from Dacorum Heritage.