Money for Memorials but not for Disabled, 14th July 1919

A son of a man disabled in the explosion of the National Shell Filling Factory at Chilwell on 1st July 1918 complained that there was money for memorials but his father was expected to live on an inadequate pension. He and a daughter, who had given up her job to look after her father, had to live on 25s. per week

“VICTIMS OF THE CHILWELL DISASTER.

“Don't you think it is about time they looked into some of the cases of disablement through the Chilwell explosion? I dare say there are numerous cases, but I state the case of my father and I am still serving. He has been bedridden since the explosion, and my sister has had to give up work to attend to him. He receives a beggarly 25s. a week to keep himself and my sister, and yet they can spend money and thought on memorials. But as it is a Government concern what can be expected? I hope this will seen by some Nottingham official, and that steps will be taken to relieve distress amongst the victims. — L/C. GALE.” [1]

Father possibly Isaac Gale 1866 – 1938.

Son possibly Leonard William Gale 1893 – 1965.

[1] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 14th July 1919.