Royal Naval Cordite Factory, Holton Heath, Wareham, Dorset
The Royal Naval Cordite Factory (RNCF) was established at Holton Heath during the First World War. Cordite was an explosive component used as a propellant for shells. The factory was built in 1915-16. It was the first purpose-built site for cordite production in the United Kingdom. It occupied a large site on the north western edge of Poole Harbour. One of the main ingredients for cordite was acetone. The factory provided its own supply through an acetone plant, which employed novel fermentation technology using maize as a starch source. The factory continued to manufacture cordite until 1946. Production at RNCF finally ended in 1957.
