Seen on screen – Help identify World War Two women for Wessex Film and Sound Archive

Hampshire County Council’s Wessex Film and Sound Archive is calling for the public’s help to identify female factory workers captured on film in the 1940s, so that their memories can be added to the county’s archives.

The County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “The Second World War saw the roles of women in Britain change drastically. Many took on manufacturing roles at factories like Elliotts of Newbury, which adapted to produce various Spitfire components, becoming known as a Shadow Factory.

“The Wessex Film and Sound Archive holds a series of wartime video clips commissioned by the firm, now referred to as ‘Working in Shadows’. Our archivists would like people’s help in identifying the women captured on camera, and for them and their relatives, to speak about their experiences and memories.

“It would be fantastic to join these dots together, so that this important piece of Hampshire’s history can be as detailed as possible for current and future generations to learn about and have access to.”

• Do you recognise the women on screen?
• Did you or your relative work there?
• Would you be prepared to be interviewed about your memories of Elliotts?

If so, please contact Wessex Film and Sound Archive by emailing [email protected] or calling 01962 846154. Please reference ‘Working in Shadows film project’ when you get in touch.

You are able to keep up to date with our articles, news and publications by following us on our social media channels below: