The Humber factory and the Coventry Blitz

Irene worked at the Humber factory on Humber Road, Coventry. She worked in offices before the war, and then when the war broke out, she was sent to work on the production line. She worked a 5 1/2 day week: 47 hours a week, 8-6 Monday to Friday and Saturday morning.

The factory took 70 hits during the Coventry Blitz. Irene was in an air raid shelter on King Edward Road in Stoke, Coventry on the night of the Blitz. Irene cycled to work every day, and she saw the Cathedral in ruins and the city destroyed. She had nightmares for years.

After the bombing, Irene was told by soldiers to report to the factory; they were given fresh water, bread and milk if they reported. A soldier brought the rubble onto Humber Road. Women, Irene included, washed the rubble and bricks so they could be reused. Irene continued working there until the war ended.

Irene received a certificate from the Rootes Group (who owned the factory) in 1945.