'IF I die I can only say I have done my bit'.

That was the deathbed remark of 20-year-old Florence Gleave, a Rudheath munitions worker who died after being poisoned by exposure to Picric acid in May, 1917.

Florence was one of many women to take up work at munitions factories making explosives for the war effort, this time at Gadbrook – close to her Shipbrook Road home.

One of a family of eight, Florence is remembered at York Minster where her name is inscribed at the 'Five Sisters' Window'.

She represents munitions workers who gave their lives for the war effort across the country.

It was not just nationally that such workers were recognised, but in Northwich too.

When the women cycled to and from the explosives factory each day, children would run alongside their bikes singing to the tune of the popular song 'When Irish Eyes are Smiling'.

When Gadbrook girls are working

They're working night and day.

Making ammunition for the boys who are far, far away.

And when the war is over

We all will surely say:

Well done, Gadbrook lassies. You have helped to win the day

As a result of Florence's untimely death, safeguarding precautions were tightened up drastically at the factory and at others across the area.

Moved by the incident, a London man sent a poem hailing Florence a 'heroine' – which was printed in Florence's funeral service sheet – and a gold sovereign to her family.