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Now a country park, Pembrey was once synonymous with munitions factories and weapons stores. In WW1 this was the site of one of the largest such plants in Wales, producing dynamite, TNT and propellant.

From 1916 women were employed on the shop floor, undertaking dangerous tasks such as filling shells. Although workers, both male and female, were routinely checked for any hazardous materials on their person, accidents were all too common.

In July 1917 an enormous explosion rocked the entire site and six workers – 4 men and 2 women – were instantly killed. The subsequent inquest decided that the cause of the explosion was unknown.

Although four men lost their lives, it was the funeral of the two female victims – 18 year old Mildred Owen, and 19 year old Mary Watson – that drew the largest crowd. Their coffins draped in the Union Jack, the girls were mourned by their fellow munitions workers, some of whom wore their working uniform.

One fellow worker even composed a poem commemorating the two women, concluding

‘…Their memory shall live for aye
And Wales shall honour it, and sing
The praise of those who gave their lives
For England’s fighters and their king’

Location: Pembrey Munitions Factory, Pembrey, Llanelli, SA16 0EJ
Image courtsey of The Imperial War Museum

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