Notes on Identification of Buildings and their Functions :

This page is the index to the structures of the Ministry of Supply Factory Dalbeattie. It does not as yet have a map, but the links on this page go to sub-indexes for the groups of structures, identified and otherwise. The majority of structures have a logical identification, some are more definite, but others are 'best guess' probales, based upon the slender evidence available.

From discussions with surviving staff and advice from informed enthusiasts at other sites, a number of structures were easily identified. The rest are being identified as information is gained. It seemed most sensible to classify the structures from the maps as shapes and clusters, then to look at the structures individually. This was broadly successful in distinguishing between major differences. Onsite surveys of the details presented many questions, as well as confirming major but unavoidable destruction of most of Unit 2 for farming purposes. Sadly, one complete class and cluster of structures has been completely destroyed, leaving few physical clues as to their purpose. The remaining structures are most fully represented in Unit 1 (Southwick) but Unit 2 (Edingham) is still important for details are most easily seen there.

The site can be understood in general terms, but the details are still a headache. Matching the Processes to the surveyed structures proved the greatest challenge of all.

To summarise the main problems :-

• Site railways (2'6" gauge) and pipe runs are still being surveyed.
• The floor detail of most buildings in Unit 2 and some in Unit 1 is hidden by up to 150 mm of cattle dung.
• A complete map of the two Units does not yet exist east of NGR Easting NX2850. This will entail a mapping survey.
• Only a handful of site workers remain alive and most will be gone within a few years.
• Police and Army exercises pose a serious risk to structural detail and graffiti.

On a positive note, the landowner Matthew Taylor is very supportive of this survey and site. It is hoped that it will give him some form of return for site visits and maybe profit from a visitor facility.