Tool Making Shop, Daniel Smith (Wolverhampton) Ltd.

With many of the companies we have featured so far on this blog, details of the effect of the War on business is sketchy speculation at best. In the case of Daniel Smith Ltd, we hold two business/works diaries kept by an employee, a Mr Ken Gadd, for the critical years 1914 and 1918.

Daniel Smith Ltd, set up in 1880 to make metal working machines, was also responsible for the invention of his famous gap rolling mill, which revolutionised the production of tools and led to a vastly increased output. During the First World War they produced for machines for aeroplane construction by the Sopwith group.  Previously at Raglan Street, the Company later relocated to Castle House in Drayton Street. In 1985, due to falling orders, they were bought out by the Rega Holdings industrial group who changed the company name to ‘Equator’.

The diary, although it contains few specific references to the War, contains hints of the effect it is having, mostly with regards to employees being called up to serve.  For example, on 31 January 1918, “Trevitt, Wood & White [are] trying to get into the Royal Navy. Give them note of recommendation.” Two of the men have to sign to confirm that they will complete their term of apprenticeship on their return. There are also other observations, such as the fact on 4 January 1918 that the New Zealand expeditionary forces were at the Victoria Hotel in Wolverhampton.

There are some mentions of orders relating to the War, such as the following on 17 January 1918:

‘Phone from Sopwith Aviation. Wants 3 sets of clutch plates for old type of machine – R.A.F. – 3 sets of metal gear cluthes for new machine

There are various references to orders for equipment from a number of important firms, including Vickers, ECC and the Royal Aircraft Establishment to meet their military requirements. However, on occasion there are reports of incidents overseas, such as the fall of Brussels on 20 August 1914, and the Germans admitting defeat on 9 November 1918. Some incidents are closer to home, such as, on 13 April 1918, “Air Raid reported last night B’ham & Coventry.” Finally, on 11 November at 11.05 am, it is remarked that peace has been declared; “All hands cease work at noon. Works closed.”

All in all, there are virtually no references to the war, but the firm is clearly involved in war-time production and orders. In itself it is an interesting workshop diary giving day-to-day happenings (including the daily weather), arrivals and departures at the office, references to different employees and customers, letters received and occasional personal references. If nothing else, it gives us a window into what life was like at a busy firm such as this one during the war era.

This blog posting has been possible thanks to the transcription of one of our volunteers, Margaret George.