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Cordite was a vital compound used to fire small arms ammunition and artillery. The chemical acetone was needed to make it. This was usually made out of potatoes or rice but when food shortages hit the country alternative ways of making it were needed.

Scientists discovered that the chemical could also be made from conkers.

The Ministry of Supply appealed to school children and scouts to collect them. Tonnes of conkers were gathered and transported by train to places like Kings Lynn for processing.

The lack of cordite contributed to the munitions shortage which hit the Western Front in 1915. The material shortages were compounded by a shortage of labour. Many of the skilled workers had been called up to serve on the frontline.

Here Paul Richardson from Trues Yard Fisherfolk Museum explains to local scouts how conkers helped win the war.

Location: Alexandra Dock, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 2ET
Photograph of the conkers factory courtesy of Lindsay Bavin, Trues Yard Fisherfolk Museum
Presented by Paul Richardson from Trues Yard Fisherfolk Museum

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