Families sought to honour munitions workers at commemorative event in Leeds
Housebuilder Redrow has launched an appeal to find relatives of munitions workers who lost their lives in the Barnbow tragedy in 1916.
An explosion killed 35 women at the former tank factory in Cross Gates, Leeds, during the First World War.
The historic site is currently being developed for new homes by Redrow, and several of the new streets have been named in honour of 15 of the women who died.
To mark this lasting tribute, Redrow is planning to host a special commemorative event at the site, bringing together descendants, relatives and members of the community to remember the women and recognise their contribution during the First World War.
The event will be held at Centurion Fields, located on Manston Lane, where Redrow is building 200 new homes.
Steve Jackson, sales director at Redrow Yorkshire, said: “It is important as a community to remember all of the women who tragically lost their lives here. Their contribution and their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
“We are asking any family members connected to 15 of the women who died in the 1916 explosion, whose names will be remembered in the new street names, to get in touch so that they can be invited to attend the event.”
The women are - Charlotte Fox, Edith Levitt, Eleanor Beckett, Eliza Grant, Elizabeth Mason, Elizabeth West, Emily Sedgwick, Florence Whitley, Kate Bainbridge, Kathleen Eastment, Katie Chapman, Martha Alderson, Mary Carter, Mary Gibson, Mary Scofield.
Further details about the event, including the date, time and programme, will be shared directly with relatives once contact has been made.
Steve added: “This is an important moment of remembrance, and we hope to reach as many of the women’s families as possible.”
Relatives are asked to make contact by emailing [email protected]
To find out more about Centurion Fields visit www.redrow.co.uk/developments/centurion-fields-leeds-162722