Plaque commemorates World War One Munitionettes

The plaque is at the Archways in Horley

A plaque to the women who worked in a First World War munitions factory will be unveiled in Surrey on Saturday afternoon.

It is estimated the women, nicknamed the Munitionettes, filled about five million shells at the site in Horley.

They were brought into the factory to replace men who were on the Western Front.

The plaque is at the Archways in the town, and will be officially revealed at 13:00 GMT.

Historian Veronica Ballard said: "Fifteen acres of Horley Gardens Estate was turned into an ammunitions store.

"It was a big event to think women were capable of filling shells.

"It was dangerous work, there could be explosions, and the TNT discoloured their skins," she said.

"They got known as the Canaries because they came out yellow-faced."

The women were filling shells to be used on the Western Front

Ms Ballard says she believes it is only right the women's contribution to the war effort should be recognised, even after over a century.

"If you're on the sidelines people don't take a lot of notice," she said.

"We feel it would be good to let the people of Horley know that these women did give some very good service."

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