Catalogue

Interview
1493, TA/10
Talking About Technology

Speaker: Bowes, Wallace, 1925 - , Interviewee, Male, Carpenter;
Speaker: Young, Gordon, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls early life including schooling at Melton Secondary Modern School and being member of Carnival Band. Mentions Midland Wood and how he worked there from 1939. Describes work checking timber. Describes move to works and how strict it was. Details apprenticeship making window frames, including tools and types of machines. Mentions noise. Describes process for assembling a window frame, including traditional skills used. Gives details of firms work during Second World War, making gliders, prefabricated huts, ammunition boxes etc. Mentions war time service in the RAF from 18, until 1946. Continues with return to Midland Wood in 1946 noting change from specialized and custom built items to standardized items, mostly components for assembly. Describes how a window was finished and numbers made. Details promotion in 1952 to charge hand then becoming foreman in 1970 until retiring in 1990. Comments on place for craft skills today. Afterthought on timber being sanded pre 1939 but not after that date.
Place of birth:
Education: Melton Secondary Modern school.
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Melton Mowbray
Periods Covered: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 15/3/2002
Playing time: 1 hr 12 mins
Access Restrictions: Restricted Item Copyright: Bournemouth University
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

Page Automatically Generated

Use the browser's back button to return to the previous screen.

Home>>Catalogue>>Search


Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.