Wolseley Motors, Ward End works

[Paul D]

Hi can anyone help please. When exactly was Wolseley Motors K Block at Ward End works, Washwood Heath built, 1947 or 1948? and when was the whole factory knocked down and housing built on it? Thanks

 

[Gord]

Hi can anyone help please. When exactly was Wolseley Motors K Block at Ward End works, Washwood Heath built, 1947 or 1948? and when was the whole factory knocked down and housing built on it? Thanks

I worked at Nuffields from 1953 to 1955 and the Wolseley was still being built at that time. The factory existed prior to WWII, and during the war the main toolroom produced the Crusader tank. Even in 1953 there were still lots of remnants from wartime production such as shell cases. I was shocked to see that huge factory completely demolished. Attached is a picture I took at the Common Lane entrance in 1963.

 

[mw0njm.]

demolishished in 2011 i think

might be of interest.

Drews Lane Factory Washwood Heath
Drews Lane: Wolseley Memory

 

[Stephen_Gould]

In the 1921 Census for England both my paternal and maternal grandfathers were listed as employed at the Wolseley Motor Limited at Ward End.

 

[Pedrocut]

Some of Wolseley Motors, Ltd.. A.R.P. personnel. photographed at the works. The A.R.P. staff, including fire staff, numbers about 600.
(Evening Despatch April 1940)

 

[PA739]

These two pictures show ARP men practicing wearing their gas masks, and the Home Guard marching out of the Drews Lane gate.
PA739

 

[Vivienne14]

Female ambulance drivers at Wolseley duringvWW2.

Source: British Newspaper Archive

 

[Dionysius//88]

During my Apprenticeship in the 60's I worked with a foreman that had Wolsely 16/60 two tone brown wonderful highly polished dashboard brand new it was 1966 the year . I still remember the reg , however the newly introduced Triumph 2000 stole his heart he traded it in lost money on the deal and a year in the reg ended up with a C Reg I think I was more upset than him I loved that Wolsely I felt like royalty being drove around in it .