Lancashire Pioneers: Frank Whittle - Manufacture of the jet engines

Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers

Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.

Frank Whittle - Manufacture of the jet engines

The site at Bankfield was jointly operated by the Ministry of Aircraft Production and Rolls-Royce.

As well as the manufacturing plant at Bankfield and testing facility at Ghyll Brow, nearby Bracewell Hall was used for offices.

Hostel at Barnoldswick used to house the specialist aero technicians and a Telegram from the Ministry of Aircraft Production congratulating the workers at Barnoldswick after the successful deployment of the Meteor.

The Hostel at Barnoldswick used to house the specialist aero technicians

Telegram from the Ministry of Aircraft Production congratulating the workers at Barnoldswick after the successful deployment of the Meteor.

The W2 aero engine manufactured at Barnoldswick which powered the Gloster Meteor. By 1943 there were about 1500 people engaged in the manufacture of the turbine blades for the W2 engine.

They worked 12 hour shifts around the clock to assemble the aero engines, which were tested at nearby Ghyll Brow.

The images above and below show the W2 aero engine manufactured at Barnoldswick which powered the Gloster Meteor.

The W2 aero engine manufactured at Barnoldswick which powered the Gloster Meteor.

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