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A man and woman carrying out work on a steam hammer during WW2, 1942

A man and woman carrying out work on a steam hammer during WW2, 1942


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A man and woman carrying out work on a steam hammer during WW2, 1942

A man and woman carrying out work on a steam hammer during WW2 in the GWR Swindon Works, 1942. The man is wearing a blacksmiths apron and holding a glowing casting in place while the woman operates the lever for the hammer

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

Media ID 7664414

1940s Swindon Swindon Works Woman World War 2 World War Ii Ww 2 Wwii 1942 Steam Hammer Ww Ii


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > War Workers

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > People > Women

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > The Railway at War > Second World War

> STEAM Museum of the GWR > Swindon Works


EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the spirit of determination and resilience during World War II as a man and woman work in unison to operate a steam hammer at the Great Western Railway (GWR) Swindon Works in 1942. The man, dressed in a blacksmith's apron, carefully positions a glowing casting into place, while the woman deftly operates the lever to deliver a powerful blow. The steam hammer, a symbol of industrial might and innovation, was essential for manufacturing armaments and military equipment during the war effort. The GWR Swindon Works played a pivotal role in the war, producing over 2,500 locomotives and 10,000 wagons for the British military. The works employed thousands of men and women, who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to meet the demands of the war. This photograph is a testament to their dedication and the vital role that women played in the war effort, often taking on traditionally male roles in industries such as engineering and manufacturing. The 1940s were a time of great change and adversity, and this image encapsulates the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and perseverance that characterized the era. The steam hammer, a relic of a bygone age, stands as a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

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