The British Explosives Syndicate.
Drawing B.E.S Office in 1928.
The many social reasons for the establishment of the British
Explosives Syndicate in Pitsea is given in detail. In particular a
discussion repeal of the Corn Laws and the Enclosure Act that altered forever
the nature of farm ownership and the price of land. This fall in land
prices brought the British Explosives Syndicate and Plotlands to Pitsea.
The equipment, methods and chemical processes that are part of the
explosives industry are described together with detailed description and
photographs of the manufacture of Nitroglycerine, Dynamite and
Cordite including production of mixed acid and acetone recovery. The
rise and fall in prosperity of the factory at Pitsea near Canvey Island in
Essex is described and gives a national picture of the industry in general up
to and from WW1 and to the 1920’s. The book is the history of a small
company in a backwater that became Wat Tyler Park in Essex, but can be used an
exemplar of most high explosives factories and munitions plants, like the
British Dynamite Company Ltd. Trades Unions and wages and wage claims are
discussed. There are many references to the Local history of Pitsea, Vange and
Essex. The influence of the First World War on the munitions industry is
described with many details of the vital part played by the employees, both
male and female, that altered industrial relations for all. The Ministry of
Munitions and munitions service badges are examined. An account of the
detonations and explosions that occurred in the early years of the Pitsea
factory are graphically described with a new explanation for one of the
explosions. It also describes the explosion at Cwm y Glo in North Wales which
was to effect changes in the explosives industry. The subsequent use of the
site by Sea Transport and its use as an Ack Ack site is recorded. A chapter on
the effect on local trades and the changes in sea level are discussed.
The book is copiously referenced to enable further academic research.
Please see 'Download Pages' where the index and contents list will be
found. The author has endeavoured to write the book
in a readable way and has avoided the tendency to make the technical and
historical aspects heavy reading. The book and references will be useful to
students of industrial and social history and should serve the local history
reader in Essex.
Safety Notice: This book is in no way intended to be a cookbook for the manufacture of explosives,
Indeed the Author would advise strongly against any experimentation in this area and takes no responsibility for those foolish enough to try experimentation.
Please Remember what Isaac Asimov said:
“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."
Safety Notice: This book is in no way intended to be a cookbook for the manufacture of explosives,
Indeed the Author would advise strongly against any experimentation in this area and takes no responsibility for those foolish enough to try experimentation.
Please Remember what Isaac Asimov said:
“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."