A local man is searching for the relatives of thirteen people who died in an explosion at a munitions factory in Slade Green ahead of a memorial service to mark 100 years since the disaster.

In February 1924, 12 young women and one male foreman were killed when fire ripped through their hut as they dismantled devices on marshes near Slade Green. The group had been breaking down Verey lights - cartridge flares fired from a pistol and used during the war for signalling and lighting at night - when there was an explosion. While some people managed to escape, twelve of the female workers, who lived locally and were aged between 16 and 24, were trapped and died along with a foreman from Forest Hill.

From 1996, annual memorial services were held to remember the victims, but these were stopped during the pandemic and the details of those who attended have been lost since then.

Mike Smith, whose aunt Amelia was among the dead is organising the service to mark the centenary at St Augustine’s Church, Slade Green on 18 February 2024, and wants as many relatives as possible of those killed and of the survivors, to come together in remembrance.

Mr Smith said “I think the girls and the foreman who died heroically trying to save them, should be recognised for the sacrifice they made. They died dismantling explosives and made an enormous contribution to the war effort.”

Mike contacted Bexley’s Local Studies and Archive Team who were really interested in such an important local story and were able to provide him with photos and news items from the time of the tragedy. The photograph attached shows staff and includes eight of the victims and five of the survivors.

Relatives who would like to get in contact and find out more about the centenary tribute should email mike.e.smith1966@gmail.com or call 07944 147011.