ROF53 stands for Royal Ordnance Factory 53, essentially the wartime codename of the Bridgend Munitions factory.

How big was it?

It was not only the largest wartime munitions factory, but it was actually the largest manufacturing plant of any kind at the time, employing up to 40,000 people.

Who worked there?

Leading up to the outbrak fo war, the site employed predominently young men, but when the majority of those workers were sent to fight, many wingle women and older men were conscripted.  The work was hard and continuous.  At many times throughout the War the machines were running 24 hours a day, with workers being split into 3 shifts.

Why Bridgend?

Bridgend is to the far west of the United Kingdom, putting it out of range for many Luftwaffe bombers.  Joe Ludlow, a local historian, also points out that the marshes in the surrounding area are regularly covered in mist making it difficult for any German bombers whihc did attempt to find the site.

The local readiness of coal to fuel the plant, steel to keep it equipped and a sizeable number of unemployed people meant Bridgend was a perfect site.

What happened in the 1941 explosion?

On 18th May 1941, there was an explosion of detonators, killing 6 people and injuring many more.  It was the largest accident recorded at the site.  The event will be commemorated by the Briddend County Borough Council in 2008