1

With the "War in Europe" raging, Britain staunchly defended itself from Germany's relentless attacks. Britain turned to the Commonwealth for support. Countries like Canada responded with the development of military training programs and the industrial production of arms and armaments. Close to home, an area just east of the town of Transcona was chosen as the location for an explosives manufacturing facility. In 1940, the British and Canadian governments invested 20 million dollars in the construction of a "Cordite Plant" where a highly explosive material known as "cordite" was manufactured for use in ammunition.

2

Cordite
1941
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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3

Built between 1940-1941, the "Cordite Plant" consisted of a number of small, unconnected buildings surrounded by a high wire fence. Access was restricted and the site was heavily patrolled by guards.

4

Some of the buildings used in the Cordite Plant
1945
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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"It was a very secretive operation, that you couldn't anywhere near where it was located", recalled Jim Potter during an interview about the 'Cordite Plant'

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An interior view of a building in the Cordite Plant
1945
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

7

Book of rules and regulations at the Cordite Plant
1941
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
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Inside of a book of rules and regulations at the Cordite Plant
1941
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


9

Once again, the railway proved vital as the "Cordite Train" transported people and explosive materials to and from the plant. C.N.R. and C.P.R. spur lines as well as 30 to 40 miles of narrow gauge track serviced the 1,000-acre site.

10

Portrait of the Nitration Crew for the Cordite Plant
1945
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

11

Local support of the war deepened as residents took jobs at the "Cordite Plant." Though dangerous, the work was welcomed and the jobs boosted the economy of the town.

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Cordite Plant employees in front of the Fire Hall
1945
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

13

This hammer was made with beryllium to prevent sparks and was used in the Cordite Plant
1945
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

14

At the height of operations, the facility (officially known as "Defence Industries Limited") employed over 2,460 men and women in the manufacture of cordite. Under intense conditions and tight security, employees worked with explosive materials including cellulose nitrate, nitro-glycerine, and mineral jelly.