Edwin Wilton Matthews – Gorseinon Fitter Killed in the Pembrey Ordnance Factory Bombing

Early Life and Family Background

1911 Census

Edwin Wilton Matthews was born in 1902 in Loughor, Glamorganshire, the son of William and Mary Williams. By the 1911 Census, the family were living at London Road, Gorseinon. William, aged 49, was employed as an Engine Driver Winder (Above Ground), while Mary, aged 47, managed the home. Their children at this time were Ethel, 24, a dressmaker; Mary H., 22; Oliver S., 19; John B., 15; Rowena, 12; Edwin Wilton, aged 6; and David Donald, also aged 6.

Life in Gorseinon

1921 Census

By the 1921 Census, the family had moved to Dorset House, Alexandra, Gorseinon. William, now 60, was working as an Engineman at the Cae Duke Colliery, Loughor, and Mary, aged 50, remained at home. Several of their adult children were still living with them. Oliver, 30, and Brynmor, 25, were both Engine Men Underground at the Swansea Navigation Mountain Colliery, Gorseinon. Rowena, 22, was at home, while Wilton, aged 20, was employed as a Blacksmith at the Cae Duke Colliery. Their youngest son, Donald, 17, was working as a Coal Hewer at the same colliery.

Later in 1921, Edwin married Edith M. Mardon at Swansea.

1939 Register

1939 Register

The 1939 Register records Edwin—listed under his middle name Wilton—living with his family at Bryn Boot Stores, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon. He was employed as a Fitter (Munition Works), reflecting the wartime redeployment of skilled industrial workers into defence production. His wife Edith undertook domestic duties, while their daughters Phyllis and Olwen were working as a Dressmaker and Drapery Assistant, respectively.

Royal Ordnance Factory, Pembrey – Wartime Role and Hazards

The Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Pembrey, located on the Carmarthenshire coast, was one of Britain’s major explosive‑manufacturing centres during the Second World War. The factory produced TNT and other explosive compounds essential for filling shells and supplying the wider munitions industry. Its remote position among the sand dunes was deliberately chosen to reduce the impact of accidental explosions on surrounding communities, yet the work carried out there remained extremely hazardous.

Working conditions at ROF Pembrey exposed employees to a constant range of dangers. Staff handled unstable chemicals daily, often in confined or heat‑sensitive environments. Even with strict safety protocols, the risk of static ignition, unexpected chemical reactions, or machinery faults was ever‑present. Many processes also involved heat and friction, both of which could trigger explosive incidents if conditions changed even slightly.

Despite the precautions taken, accidents were a regular occurrence. The combination of volatile materials, heavy machinery, and the pressure of wartime production meant that workers—both men and women—faced significant danger every day. ROF Pembrey is remembered as one of the most hazardous yet vital workplaces of the period.

The Bombing of 10^th July 1940

Home Office papers record that on 10^th July 1940, the Royal Ordnance Factory at Pembrey was directly bombed. The report states that ten 50kg high‑explosive bombs fell in a straight line across the site at 12:20 p.m., striking multiple production buildings. The main canteen was among the structures hit, and the blast damaged an electricity transformer, supply cables, and a water main, severely disrupting operations.

The attack caused heavy casualties: seven people were killed and fifteen seriously injured. The bombing formed part of a wider pattern of Luftwaffe raids on industrial and strategic sites as the Battle of Britain began in earnest.

Death at ROF Pembrey – 10^th July 1940

Edwin was among those injured during the bombing of the factory. As a Fitter, he would have been working close to machinery and production buildings—areas directly affected by the falling bombs. He was taken to Llanelly Hospital, where he died later the same day from his injuries. His death places him among the civilian casualties of one of the earliest and most destructive air attacks on South Wales industry.

Burial

Edwin Wilton Matthews
Gorseinon Congregational Chapelyard
credit - findagrave

Edwin Wilton Matthews was buried at Gorseinon Congregational Chapelyard, close to his family home and the community in which he had lived and worked