Railings were cut down to help with the war machine
Historian Malcolm Goode looks back at events from February 1941 when it wasn’t just food which was in short supply.
IN FEBRUARY 1941 it became apparent that there was an urgent need for scrap iron.
At the time, Burton Town Council were asked to discuss a proposal put forward by the Ministry of Supply, who indicated an urgent need for scrap iron.
All local authorities were asked to foster a scheme whereby privately owned iron railings may be salvaged and given to the state. It had been suggested by the Ministry that local authorities do a local survey of their district and canvas all owners and occupiers of land fenced with metal railings and ask them whether they would be willing to surrender them.
The ministry stated that the local authorities would be responsible for taking up these railings and making good afterwards.
The scrap iron was to be used to meet the urgent need to manufacture increasing amounts of new weapons and munitions for the war effort.
This initiative would move further in the coming months when householders were encouraged to donate spare aluminium pots and pans from their kitchens.
Metal was needed to make planes. As a result, Winston Churchill appointed Lord Beaverbrook as Minister of Aircraft Production, he then asked the Women’s Voluntary Service to oversee the drive, They soon went into action and in their own localities, set up collection points for saucepans, frying pans, colanders, tea trays, kettles, pot lids and any other scrap they could find which contained aluminium.
Approximately 1,600 centres were set up throughout Britain, many collection centres were dotted in and around Burton.
Lord Beaverbrook said “We want it (aluminium) and we want it now. New and old of every type and description, and all of it. We will turn your pots and pans into Spitfires and Hurricanes. Blenheim’s and Wellingtons.”
The British people especially those in and around the Burton District enthusiastically supported Lord Beaverbrook’s appeal.
Apparently, people donating their aluminium pots and pans were requested to leave them outside of their house so that the local children could collect them up and take them to local designated collection points.