Although only vague references were made in the local papers regarding the construction of aeroplanes, it was revealed after the war that a local company, Poole Aviation, had been constructing aeroplane wings at its Sterte factory in Poole. The two pics show the sewing room and the "dope" room. Dope was a glue that was used to make the wings airtight. It gave off toxic fumes that were harmful to the health of the (female) workers. They were known as "dopers" and they are seen waiting to be "demobbed" in Jan 1919 after three years war service.
Thanks Morten ... so there was one there then ! There was one in Liverpool too ...Trollope & Colls Ltd .... during World War I the site was used for the manufacture of biplane wings - some of which are visible to the rear. Note the large number of women in the photograph - many men of working age had died during the conflict ..... heres some pictures from 1918 ! http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/detail.aspx?uid=17303 http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/detail.aspx?uid=76796 http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/detail.aspx?uid=17305 http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/detail.aspx?uid=16361 http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/detail.aspx?uid=16360 http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/detail.aspx?uid=16359
This site maybe of interest Morten ( thats if you haven't seen it already !! ) http://daveg4otu.tripod.com/dorset/dorindex.html http://daveg4otu.tripod.com/airfields/ben.html
No Annie, I've not seen that site - some very interesting info. there, for rest of Dorset too. Thanks for bringing it to my notice.
