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Mabel Lethbridge

Mabel Lethbridge, a munitions factory worker from London, recalls her impulsive decision to work at Hayes National Filling Factory in Middlesex - with terrible consequences.

A 17-year-old Mabel Lethbridge lied about her age to get a job cleaning detonators at the No. 7 National Filling Factory in Hayes, Middlesex. It was a dull job, and when on her sixth day of work a poster appeared requesting staff to work in Amatol Filling Section - the Danger Zone - she immediately volunteered. Injury and deaths were frequent due to novice workers and highly explosive materials.

On Mabel's ninth day of work, a shell exploded and her left leg was mutilated beyond repair. It was later amputated, and she was awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (known as a BEM nowadays) for her courage and devotion to duty.

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16 minutes

The Great War Interviews Collection

The Great War Interviews Collection
This programme is part a collection of interviews with World War One veterans and civilians filmed in the 1960s for the landmark 大象传媒 series The Great War.


Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest Mabel Lethbridge
Executive Producer Detlef Siebert
Producer Sandra Gorel

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