Lithgow Small Arms Factory centenary celebration, New South Wales, photographs by Berylouise Mitchell

fonds

26 October 2012

Graphic Materials, Photographs

9677564

5 photographs - digital, JPEG, camera raw, colour

5 digital photographs of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory centenary celebrations. In attendance at the celebration were keen sporting shooter Federal MP John Cobb, Lithgow Mayor Maree Statham, and Deputy Mayor Ray Thompson.

Item 1: Test firing Mag 58 machine guns, indoor firing range, Lithgow Small Arms Factory, New South Wales, 26 October 2012, photograph by Berylouise Mitchell

Item 2: First article test firing, indoor firing range, Lithgow Small Arms Factory, New South Wales, 26 October 2012, photograph by Berylouise Mitchell

Item 3: Pat Sharpe making F88/F90 bolt part of the gun lock system, indoor firing range, Lithgow Small Arms Factory, New South Wales, 26 October 2012, photograph by Berylouise Mitchell

Item 4: Optical comparator, Lithgow Small Arms Factory, New South Wales, 26 October 2012, photograph by Berylouise Mitchell

Item 5: The Hon John Cobb MP, Lithgow Mayor Maree Statham and Deputy Mayor Ray Thompson, centenary celebration visit, Lithgow Small Arms Factory, New South Wales, 26 October 2012, photograph by Berylouise Mitchell

In copyright:
Copyright holder:: Berylouise Mitchell
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy Berylouise Mitchell

Opened in 1912, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory was established to decrease Australia’s reliance on Britain for its production of defence materials and was a crucial munitions supplier during World War I and II. Lithgow was chosen as the site of the factory following lobbying by the Lithgow Progress Association and the local member of Parliament Joseph Cooke.

The factory was a major employer for local residents, employing families through multiple generations, however it has gradually declined in production, particularly following privatisation in 1988.

The factory is currently owned by Thales Australia and continues limited production of arms for the Australian military, and the Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum operates from the disused front section of the site.

Reference: Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum. ‘History and production’. Accessed 22 August 2024