The Station Road Centenary

Aircraft has clearly played a leading role in the modern industrial history of Gloucestershire and inevitably we focus on Bristol and Gloucester aircraft history. Nevertheless, a lesser known event is also taking place namely the Centenary of the Station Road industrial site in Yate, another key element of the Gloucestershire aircraft story.

In 1917, German POWs based in Yate completed the construction of a vast military industrial unit,  the Western Aircraft Repair Depot, one of a handful of air bases tasked with repairing aircraft, which were enduring staggering losses at this time.

With an aircraft and engine repair works and airfield, Yate became a vital cog in the West Country war effort. During the 1920s and 1930s, the western side of the plant continued aircraft production and eventually specialised in aircraft gun turrets. The factory proved a victim of its own success. The German Luftwaffe identified the plant as a key target and struck twice in early 1941, leading to 55 casualties. It was the most traumatic event in the history of Yate. Production continued in several dispersal site around Bristol and Gloucestershire.

After 1945, the site spawned Parnall (Yate), which manufactured anything from cookers to washing machines to the modern Whirlpool tumble-dryer. Like Parnall Aircraft before 1945, the site has a commuting workforce from Bristol and Gloucestershire and remains a significant manufacturing force in the region.    

The Centenary celebrations will take place in May 2017 at the present Whirlpool factory.

Yate Heritage Centre