ROF Pembrey facts for kids

Imagine a place where powerful explosives were made during the World Wars! This is the story of two factories, NEF Pembrey and ROF Pembrey, built near the village of Pembrey in Carmarthenshire, Wales. These factories were very important for making TNT (Trinitrotoluene), a powerful explosive used to fill shells during both World War I and World War II.

The factories were built on sandhills and sand dunes. This was a smart idea because the sand could help protect nearby areas if there was an explosion. Like all factories making explosives, they needed a lot of water and good ways to transport materials. The Pembrey site was connected to the Great Western Railway, making it easy to move supplies and finished products.

Early Dynamite Factory

Before the big war factories, a dynamite factory was built in Pembrey in 1882. It was owned by the New Explosive Company. Later, in 1886 or 1887, a company called Nobel's Explosives bought it. Production slowed down for a while, and then the South Wales Explosive Company, which was part of Nobel's, took over.

NEF Pembrey: World War I Factory

Why it was Built

In 1914, as World War I began, the United Kingdom needed to make many more shells for its soldiers. This led to a big problem called the Shell Crisis of 1915. To solve this, Nobel's Explosives started building a new factory at Pembrey. This factory was one of the first places in the UK specifically built to make TNT and other propellants (which help push shells out of guns) during World War I.

Factory Operations

The factory was first owned by Nobel's Explosives. But in 1917, the government's Ministry of Munitions took control. It then became known as a National Explosives Factory, or NEF Pembrey. This factory was huge, covering about 760 acres. It produced a massive amount of explosives: 15,000 tons of TNT and 20,000 tons of propellant.

After World War I

After World War I ended, NEF Pembrey closed down. The main office building was turned into a special home for children whose parents were unemployed miners. It was a place where they could get better and rest. Also, the factory's water supply system was taken over by the nearby town of Llanelli to provide water for its residents.

ROF Pembrey: World War II Factory

Building a New Factory

Work began in July 1938 to build a brand new factory on the same site. This was because another big war, World War II, was coming. The new factory opened in December 1939. It was controlled by the Ministry of Supply and was one of several Royal Ordnance Factories (ROFs) that made explosives.

What it Produced

This new factory, ROF Pembrey, also made TNT. But it was special because it also produced other explosives like tetryl and ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate was also used as a fertiliser for farming. During World War II, about 3,000 people worked at ROF Pembrey, helping the war effort.

After World War II

Even after World War II ended, ROF Pembrey continued to make TNT and tetryl for military use. It also kept making ammonium nitrate for farms. From 1944 onwards, the factory also helped to safely take apart extra ammunition that was no longer needed, like large anti-aircraft shells and bombs. The TNT was carefully removed using steam and then burned.

Junior Analysts

The factory had a chemical laboratory where special technicians, called Junior Analysts, tested the explosives. Many of these junior analysts were young women. They made sure the TNT and ammonium nitrate were made correctly and safely. Being a Junior Analyst was a respected job in the area for many years.

Closure and New Life

ROF Pembrey finally closed its doors in late 1964.

In July 1965, most of the land, about 516 acres, was given back to the Forestry Commission. This land is now part of the beautiful Pembrey Country Park, a popular place for people to visit and enjoy nature. Another 96 acres of the land were sold to a construction company.