The Factory Fearnoughts – Nestles and the Great War

The Condensery was built by the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company at Marston Old Lane, Hatton, Derbyshire, in 1901, where it produced tinned condensed milk. In 1905 the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company merged with the Henri Nestle Company, to form the Nestle Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company.

Many of the men who worked at the factory were also recruited into the North Staffordshire Territorial Force, and paraded at Tutbury Drill Hall, situated off Bridge Street, on the Tutbury side of the railway.

During the First World War, the factory was kept very busy producing tins of condensed milk for the Armed Forces. Most of the eligible male workforce who were already in the Territorials, were called up to serve, and others were conscripted throughout the duration of the War.

In February 1915, six months after the start of the War, Frank Scattergood wrote, and had printed, a poem to be sold for one penny, all proceeds to be handed over to the “The Hatton ‘Smokes for Soldiers’ Committee. The poem was dedicated the

“Nestle’s Brigade, or The Factory Fearnoughts”. In all there were 24 verses, but only 14 were printed. In the poem, Frank Scattergood mentions 73 men “who have answered their Country’s call”, 15 of whom did not return.

The story of the Factory Fearnoughts can be found in a publication of the same name by Rosalind Darlington. For more information and how to purchase a copy contact [email protected]