What Did Grandma do in World War 2? Munitions Workers in World War Two for Family Historians
Richard Marks
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £75 plus travel @45p per mile up to 50 miles from Reading. Can also be run online
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 10th January 2024
- Tagged:
- Family History | World War 2 | Industrial History | Military History
This talk is designed for family historians who are researching their ancestors during the Second World War.
World War Two saw Britain involved in operations across the globe but how were they supported and who made the equipment used by Britain's forces?
The work undertaken by munitions workers was a key part of Britain's war effort during World War Two, but who were the people who made the materials and equipment?
Was it just weapons and munitions or did the people involved in British industry during the war do more and what was it like to work in the factories during the conflict and how did they deal with the constant threat of air raids during the early part of the war?
Find out the answers to all of these questions and also where to look for records of your ancestors in this talk.
This talk can be run in conjunction with What did Aunt May do in the War? Munitions Workers in World War One for Family Historians as a two-part programme.
Views: 407 | Enquiries: 2About Richard Marks
I am a freelance historian based in Berkshire with publications on industrial, military, and railway history, as well as the history of science. I am currently researching the industrial development in the Victorian era, the evolution of the railway and canal systems in Britain in the second half of the 19th century, and the history of British industry. I hold a PhD in economic history from the University of Reading, which I obtained in 2024. I have also taught courses on various historical topics as a tutor with the WEA.
My talks are suitable for different audiences and group sizes. I can adjust the length and format to meet your needs. My goal is to inform and entertain, and to leave the audience with a new insight and a desire to learn more.
My previous career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies, has given me a unique perspective as an historian.
Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."
"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Richard Marks
- A Lot More than Spitfires; Behind the Battle of Britain
- Arrival of the Railways in Reading
- A Bomber's Moon: The Equipment and Tactics of RAF Bomber Command during World War Two
- Iron Dragons: British Tanks in the First World War
- A Barber and a Surgeon: Medicine in Victorian Times
- Stephenson's Horses: The Victorian Railways
- Trouble at Mill: Life in the Victorian Factories
- An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure
- Chocks Away: The Royal Flying Corps in the First World War
- So You Think We Do Not Make Anything Anymore ? British Manufacturing in the 21st Century
- The Great Western Railway in Victorian Berkshire
- Munitions Workers in World War One
- Britain's Railways During World War One
- Britain's Railways During World War Two
- Munitions Workers in World War Two
- They also Served: Women in Britain's Armed Forces during World War Two
- A Germination of an Idea: The Suttons Seeds Company
- A lot of Bs: Industry in Victorian Reading; more than just Biscuits
- What did Aunt May do in the War? Munitions Workers in World War One for Family Historians
- The Royal Flying Corps in World War I for Family Historians
- The Royal Air Force in World War 2 for Family Historians
- The Royal Navy in World War I for Family Historians
- The Royal Navy in World War Two for Family Historians
- Football and World War One
- Britain's Railway History for Family Historians
- The Royal Air Force in World War 2
- Biscuits for Queen Victoria: The Story of the Early Days of Huntley and Palmer
- The Royal Navy in World War I
- The Royal Navy in World War 2
- The Western Front in World War One
- The Home Front in World War I
- More Than France: Why World War I was a World War
- A British Industrial Giant that Never Was: The Story of British Rail Engineering Limited
- Living in The Slums: The Experience of the Victorian Working Class
- D-Day: Operation Overlord 80th Anniversary
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