This website was previously known as Westall’s War. It originated as a result of a successful bid to the DFEE Museums and Galleries Education Programme in 2000.
Now, 10 years on, we determined to focus the site clearly on the air raid disaster at Wilkinson’s Factory in North Shields. This was the original starting block for our work and over time has proven to be of increasing interest and value…in particular to local residents, ex-pats and a growing number of local schools studying the Home Front.
The Robert Westall link remains of course. However, what is needed is a much more comprehensive and detailed website focused on the author and his many outstanding books. Our focus limited as it is mainly to The Machine Gunners and to Children of the Blitz does not do the author justice. Perhaps in the near future we can experience a complete web resource dedicated to him?
So…the new name. northshields173.org. Not picked at random at all. North Shields 173 was the telephone number of the Wilkinson’s Lemonade Factory at the time of the disaster. In a sense by typing in the web address you are making a phone call back through time.
We hope you enjoy the new website. Please do feel free to use the comments form below to let us know what you think and ideally, to share any new information you may have.
Just found your site.
Read with interest about someone saying that their grandparents owned the Clock Valults in North Shields.
Strangely, I have just discovered that my Great Uncle George also owned/managed/whatever the same pub.
Lesley
I have been searching for information about my grandfather Henry Henderson Hodgson for awhile and suddenly came across this site. My father is William Hodgson listed as a twin in the photo of the six brothers.
It is a strange feeling reading of incidents and seeing photos of people my dad often talked about. It creates a strange sense of connection even though we’re far away in Australia.
I have read with great interest. I ould love to know more about Henry P Rose and Lizzie Donkin as they are missing links in my family tree. My mother recalls that my great Grandmother Janet Rose (Nee Marr) should have been in the shelter than night – but stayed home as was feeling unwell. She was still sitting in her chair in her pantry when she was found but the wall behind her had been completely demolished – a miracle she survived. Would love to hear from anyone who can help me here.
I have read with interest some of the stories told by relatives of those who lost their lives during the air raid, as well as some of those who have personal memories of the night themselves.
I’m making a series for the BBC looking at civilian stories in Britain during WWII, and was hoping to make contact with anyone who can give me a personal insight into that fateful night at the factory. I can be contacted on will.fegen@bbc.co.uk
Thanks,
Will