In the Second World War, Central Ordnance depots around Britain ensured that the army, anywhere in the world, was supplied with the armaments and vehicles they needed. This link is to a map of where they were. The work of the depots is described in more detail in this link.
Chilwell near Nottingham had become the Army Centre for Mechanisation, but was running out of space. Donnington in Shropshire had become the main depot for armaments and was also running short of accommodation.
Old Dalby was to have been a sub-depot of Chilwell, but Donnington’s need was greater and it became an armaments and signals depot opening on 30 December 1940 with six officers and 60 other ranks. It was commanded by Bob Hiam, a former manager at Dunlop.
In early 1940, F. Perks & Son of Long Eaton won the contract to build housing for the military employees of the depot and then the depot itself. The contract for a total sum of £428,000 provided for:
- 3 sheds 480ft x 280ft
- 4 sheds 360ft x 280ft
- movement shed 225ft x 280ft
- battery charging rooms
- service station
- main offices
- Water tanks and pump room
- lavatory block
- petrol store office and tanks
- police station
- shelters
- firemen’s quarters and garage for fire engine
- telephone exchange and control room
- gas cleaning centre
- electric substation
- canteen
- AMPS camp
- PAD building
The interior of the sheds show the size and the use of steel
A distinctive feature of the depot was the tower used to calibrate gun sights
Fire was a constant risk. There were two underground water tanks and a tower.
In 1943 more water was needed and a further reservoir was built half a mile from the depot by the water main. A pipe was laid to bring the water from the tank to the depot. I now live in that reservoir. I tell that story in this link
Some further images to help paint the picture of this vast storage facility.
I gave a talk on the story of the Old Dalby depot and here is the link.
