Did you know this about
the Munitionettes?
Did you Know?
During World War I, Lincoln became one of the largest centres of aircraft production in the world. Hundreds of women – wives, mothers, sisters and daughters – went to work in the munitions factories. Known as munitionettes they made aircraft at Ruston’s and Robey’s and built tanks at Foster’s. The work was dangerous, the ‘dope’ used to varnish the fabric-covered airframes being poisonous.
“We were only allowed to work two hours at a time in the doping shop because the fumes were harmful to the lungs. We had to go outside in the fresh air for a 20 minute break – and drink milk or cocoa to neutralise the effect of the fumes. Once a fortnight the doctor would give us an examination check”.
Ann Lancaster, Munitionette
In 1915 Foster & Co of Lincoln designed the first track-driven armoured vehicle.
The world’s first tank was created through the engineering brilliance of William Tritton & Walter Wilson. To escape the noise of Foster’s factory, they worked in a suite at Lincoln’s White Hart Hotel.
