ROF Bridgend - Development

Development

Bridgend was chosen for three main reasons:

• It was remote from the areas most vulnerable to enemy bombing in south and east England
• Bridgend was located in a national development area, having a plentiful supply of unemployed labour at the time
• The area enjoyed excellent logistics, being close to three major ports (Cardiff, Swansea, Barry), and close to the massive South Wales coalfield to supply power and Port Talbot for steel

In April 1936, 900 acres (3.6 km2) of land in Waterton was compulsorily purchased. The site chosen was farmland next to the Great Western Railway South Wales Main Line, which offered additional benefits. Located on what was a reclaimed marshland, the resultant dampness often resulted in the area being covered in a light mist or fog, which further protected it from bombing. Further acreage was purchased in Brackla, leading to the development of ROF 11 and ROF 41.

In April 1937, the Great Western Railway began constructing the 24 miles (39 km) of internal railway needed to supply the sites. This included a marshalling yard at the main site, sidings at Brackla Ridge, and the construction of Tremains halt near Waterton for worker access. A footbridge was also constructed here, the remnants of which can been seen today. Gee Walker & Slater Ltd, and Sir Lindsay Parkinson & Co Ltd were the contractors awarded the project to build ROF 53. Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons Ltd won the contract to build ROF 11 and ROF 41, and the magazine tunnels. In all, the complex consisted of over 1000 buildings, serviced by 60 miles (97 km) of roads.

By 1940, the sites were in full production, with nearly 40,000 people working at the factory, the largest single-site employer in the country.