'When Woolwich Went to War' by Steve Roberts
The London Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich has long been associated with the military, initially through the establishment of Royal Dockyards and Royal Ordnance and later with the arrival of the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Artillery. As part of his MA, Steve Roberts looked at the impact of the war on the Borough and its population. The problems encountered were not just from the Germans and resulted in some dramatic changes in the area, many of which are still visible today. Not only was there a dramatic rise in the numbers of people working in war industry, but also an increase in sites, transport infrastructure, and housing. Additionally, there was the almost ever-present threat of German air raids as Woolwich was within easy striking distance for Zeppelins and heavy bombers.
Steve is a military historian and battlefield guide who specializes in the First World War. He served in the British Army for twelve years and in the Metropolitan Police for twenty three. He has a Master's degree in British First World War Studies and is a member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides. He is also a guide for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The grandson of two Great War veterans, Steve has been researching the Great War for many years. He has participated in archaeological digs on the Western Front as well as guiding groups on tours of the battlefields. The co-author of two Great War books, he has appeared in tv productions on both the Western Front and ancestry research. Since 2016, he has been the historian for the Soldiers' Charity, Army Benevolent Fund, Front Line Walks in France and Belgium.
This meeting will be held in Cobham. Members of The Western Front Association and non-members are equally welcome. We ask for a modest £5 donation on the door. This includes tea, coffee and biscuits at the break (before the Q&A session with the speaker). It also includes free tickets for the book raffle.
People joining us at Cobham can use our cashless card system and use their credit card/phone with the reader that will be available at the signing-in desk.
To help make things easier and safer, we are asking those coming to Cobham to bring their own mug for coffee or tea.
Steve’s talk will start at 8pm. Doors open at Cobham at 7:15pm and the meeting starts at 7:45pm.
The photo shows women munition workers finish small arms cartridges in Small Arms Cartridge Factory 3, at Woolwich Arsenal, London, May 1918. © IWM Q 27880