By David Peel
Just a couple miles west of Highway 51 in Millington, two large smokestacks have stood like sentinels since World War II.
They are the only easily identifiable remnant of what was an incredibly large mobilization of men, industry, chemistry and resources to defeat the Nazis.
They began in 1940 in order to generate smokeless powder for the British to resist Hitler’s blitzkrieg in Europe, and quickly became the source of TNT for American forces by 1941.
At its height, the over 6,000 acre facilities hosted 8,000 workers. (This is more than even Blue Oval City is likely to hire). From November 1940 to May 1943, the plant maintained continuous night and day operations for 871 days (except Christmas Day 1942).
At any rate, the workers could not smoke, or have anything that would create a spark, including even clicking ballpoint pens.
Amazingly, there was never a major incident at this facility. However, on Easter weekend in 1944, a B24 liberator taking off out of Millington Air station fell from the sky literally across the street. Only one man survived that. But, had that enormous burning plane hit the TNT, Western Millington would still be a crater.
My granddaddy, Otis Griffin, worked at that powder plant. And like many of his coworkers, they would take titanium industrial nuts and bore them out to create rings to wear. If you’ve ever found such an item in a relative’s possessions, that’s where it probably came from.
The World War II effort to defeat the Axis Powers, including Japan, changed our local area significantly. Not only was Highway 51 four laned all the way from Memphis to the Tipton County line, the Millington Air Station became the largest inland naval base in the entire world. The sprawling Memphis defense depot was one of the biggest in the country.
The Veterans Hospital that was located in Memphis was massive indeed. Interestingly, it was originally on a street called “Shotwell.” Understandably, people felt like that was the wrong name for a Veterans Hospital Street so it became something familiar to you, “Get well.”
If you love history, like I do, let me know, and I’d love to have your suggestions for topics of interest.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
