"Mills Grenades. Milling ears (first operation)."

Maker
Unknown
Production date
1915-1918
 Description
View of two munitionettes in protective clothing working on hand grenades with a milling machine. The machine is driven by a belt from a drive shaft above. They have electric light. From "Munition Work Record. The Falkirk Iron Coy, Ltd, 1915-1918."
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Object detail

Department
Photo
Maker
Production date
1915-1918
Subject person
Subject place
Castlelaurie Works/Bankside/Bainsford/Falkirk area
Subject notes
The munitionettes are engaged in the first step in milling the 'ears' on the Mills grenade. Contrary to common belief the serrations in the cast iron body of the Mills grenade were not to assist fragmentation but to give soldiers with muddy hands a better grip.
In 1915 the UK government took power over munitions production and directed many women into the industry; their numbers rose from 212,000 in 1914 to 950,000 by 1918. On average their pay was less than half that of men. They became known as munitionettes.
Accession number
P05198

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