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You are here:Home»Timeline of Rhydymwyn Valley»Historic Reviews and Timeline 1942

Historic Reviews and Timeline 1942

Written by  Administrator
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January   The GIs began to arrive in Britain. Austerity began in earnest. Soap was rationed to 3 oz per month. Single bananas and onions were used as raffle prizes. The Home Guard was recruited to serve in ack-ack batteries.
January   The effluent system was accepted by Process.
January   The production of 30 lb Mark I and Mark IM bombs ceased.
13 January   The heaters were switched on in the Woodside tanks for the first time.
February   On the recommendation of Special Products Division the Ministry of Supply authorized the provision one 250 ton capacity tank for Woodside.
February   Warnings that the country’s fuel position was becoming precarious were issued.
15 February   The Fall of Singapore.
17 February   The last tank (No. 37) was in position in the tunnels and filling was started.
18 February   A blockage of The Bryn Alyn Air Valve caused ground contamination and a 10 hour stoppage.
27 February   The toxic pit was covered to obviate noxious fumes.
March   C.E.M.A gave their first performance but did not appear again until March 1943, they then averaged a concert every two months.
March   Mr Slazenger and Mr Tooms of Mold were appointed visiting dentists to the works employees.
March   A separate ventilation system was installed in the K5 toxic area.
7 March   The Wings for Victory Week raised £4,314 with commitments for weekly deductions of £115 per week.
13 March   Monthly Film shows were started, at mid-day by the Ministry of Information (MoI) Film Unit.
April   Works concerts were begun but it was a year before the Entertainments Committee was formed and regular concerts were produced.
April   The underground bulk storage system was in use by Process and the final ventilation tests were proceeding.
April   Smoke Generator filling began. This was carbon tetrachloride based as there was a shortage of hexachloroethylene.
6 April   No more white bread was to be made.
24 April   All tanks at Woodside were now fitted with heaters.
May   HB and HBD began to be stored at Woodside.
May   The carbon dioxide bonus scheme for boiler house staff was instituted.
5 May   H.R.H. The Duke of Kent visited.
12 May   Workers Playtime starring Robb Wilton was broadcast from Valley.
2 June   All the heaters at Woodside were switched off.
June   Woman now worked a six shift rota system including Sundays.
June   After discussions between the Ministry of Supply , the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research (DSIR) and the Special Products Dept it was decided that building P6 could suitably be adapted for use by DSIR (As a site for a pilot gaseous diffusion cell). The sum of £11,200 was approved to cover alterations and additions.
Mid June   The corroding and swelling of 65 lb bombs was traced to the presence of sulphonium chlorides in the Runcol. This was treated and fixed by washing it in acidified water.
July   The MoS approved the installation for storage facilities for 1,250 tons of carbon tetrachloride.
July   A.R.P. duties became the responsibility of the A.R.P. Controller and so passed out of the hands of the Fire Chief.
July   4.2” mortar shell production began.
15 July   The King and Queen visited.
Summer   Process labour was at its maximum and there was one male charge hand and two leading hands per shift and one female supervisor and three leading hands per shift (one toxic). The amount of labour on shift was in the region of 180 men and 350-380 women.
Summer   The 250 ton tank was installed at Woodside.
23 July   The Y-Grade Scheme introduced.
September   The 250 ton storage tank at Woodside was completed.
September   The revised capital cost estimate for the factory as at 31 March 1942 was approved by the MoS. The cost amounted to £3,064,655
22 September   R.Thomas (ex-Hillhouse) succeeded G.H.Hirst as Works Manager.
October   Modifications to the storm weir were completed.
October   The Women’s Mechanical Safety Committee was formed.
4 October   The 250 ton tank at Woodside was filled from tanks 20, 21, 22, 24 to its full capacity.
5 October   The first pipeline load from R3 to K4 was transferred. It took approximately one hour. The transfer from R3 to K4 took longer.
October-Nov   Battle of El Alamein.
7 November   There was an accident with the gland sealing water supply at the neutralization part of the pumping plant and seven men incurred slight injuries. (V/MEMO/1)
December   A Mechanical Safety Officer was appointed.
December   Safety regulations were published.
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