A Bendigo man found this pile of historic photos from the old Bendigo Ordnance Factory hidden away in the back of his shed.
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He wanted to remain anonymous and was unsure what time period the pictures were taken.
He asked the Bendigo Advertiser to publish the pictures for readers to enjoy and then donate them to the Bendigo Historical Society for safe-keeping.
Former Bendigonian John Horwood completed his apprenticeship at the Ordnance in the 1950s, when staff levels were stable at 1200 employees throughout those halcyon years.
He looks back 55 years to fondly recall his working days and the huge machinery they worked with and constructed all those years ago.
Do you know anyone in the pictures? Send details to cos@bendigoadvertiser.com.au or call 5434 4470.
More reader updates on these fabulous pics.
Pic 1 / 25: Suggest you add "Note the exposed gearing! An OH & S nightmare these days."
Pic 2 / 25; Senior Foreman ("White Coat") peers at what appears to be the breech of a 4.5" gun.
Pic 5 / 25: Should be "V" Class destroyers (as in HMAS Vendetta, HMAS Voyager, HMAS Vampire etc.).
Pic 7 / 25: Looking directly at no:10 Heavy Machine Shop. Note stack of firewood for boilers.
Pic 9 / 25: "……cutting the "Herring Bone" teeth on the gear…………"
Pic 14 / 25: Suggest should read "From left to right - No:10 Heavy Machine Shop, no: 9 Machine Shop, No: 8 Boiler Makers / Plate Shop. No: 7 (Behind General Store) Apprentice Training Section, Electricians, Carpenters, Services Inspection.
Pic 18 / 25: Suggest add "Note that the lathe's centre height has been dramatically modified to increase the "swing" over the carriage.
Pic 19 / 25: You might like to add that several examples of the side rods of Doxford diesel engines on extreme left of picture. Doxford components were made at the OFB - asembled at the Government's Port Melbourne Marine Engine Works.
Pic 20 / 25: A better view of a typical 4.5" turret. Where did it finish up?
Pic 22 / 25: "……….from no: 7 to no: 10. The Gear Shop was out of view, LH side at the far end.
Pic 24 / 25: "……towed very easily by the fitting on the end of the barrel."
And, as an aside, The Apprentice Training Section was run by Jack Gill (Senior Foreman -White Coat) Jack Tyack (Blue Coat - foreman) Alan Hill (Brown Coat (Leading Hand). Another Jack Gill ran the gear shop. Manager was Mr.??? Campagnollo.
Memories!