In the dark days of World War 2 British soldiers across the world were supplied with ammunition made just a few miles down the road. The hard work and dedication of the largely female staff of the Royal Ordinance Factory at Swynnerton has sadly gone unrecognised. But Rob Flello, local Labour MP for Stoke South is trying to change all that. At times the factory employed over 20,000 women, most of them local, working in difficult and dangerous conditions. Nicknamed ‘The Roses of Swynnerton’ they worked night and day to make sure front line troops were equipped to take on the Nazis.

With last year being the 70th Anniversary of the start of WWII, Rob is campaigning for this vital role to be recognised by the Government. Over the last few months he’s had chance to talk to some of the women who worked at the factory during the War. Among the women Rob’s spoken to is Olive, who travelled on trains to the secret ‘Cold Meece’ railway station to get to work each day.

Rob said: “The work of these brave women has gone unrecognised for far too long. The nature of the work meant that it was dangerous and secretive. We have rightly recognised people like the Land Army and the Bevan Boys for their contribution to the war effort; and I think its time to recognise all munitions workers. Although Swynnerton is now an Army training base, the memories of the hard work and sacrifice are still strong with those who worked there and their families.”

Former Sywnnerton payroll worker Audrey Haywood, 89 is trying to get a rose bed placed near the Sywnnerton Village War Memorial. The garden would commemorate the 90 factory workers who lost their lives carrying out their duties. Rob is supporting Audrey’s bid: “This is a fantastic idea to help honour the Swynnerton Roses who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a stark reminder of how dangerous the work was, so dangerous that the North Staffordshire Infirmary kept two wards set aside, just in case there was a ‘blow up’ at the ROF”.

If you would like to join Rob in his campaign, or tell him of your story or that of a relative, then please provide him with your details in the boxes below.