NOWADAYS there are few clues to the crucial Second World War role that Longbridge played in the defeat of the Nazis.

The former Longbridge East Works, once a working factory employing thousands, has been bulldozed to make way for more than 700 new houses, courtesy of developers St Modwen and Persimmon Homes.

But the families who move there to make new lives for themselves on the former East Works site will be following in the footsteps of historic events which helped to save Britain from invasion by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi hordes.

For over seven decades ago the East Works was the site of one of Britain’s “shadow factories,” built to save the nation from an unthinkable future under the command of Hitler’s murderous regime.

In their book, Making Cars at Longbridge, 100 Years In The Life Of A Factory, authors Gillian Bardsley and Colin Corke recall Longbridge’s vital part in keeping Britain free, and the car firm’s founder Lord Austin’s key role in the defence of the realm.

“Like the rest of British industry, motor manufacturers had to suspend normal production and turn themselves over to the military effort when war was declared on Germany in 1939.

“Because of the experience gained during one major conflict, Austin knew the importance of being well prepared as another war began to seem inevitable.

“It was therefore appropriate when, in 1936, he became chairman of the Shadow Aero Engine Committee.

“The remit of this Government body was to plan extra manufacturing capacity in locations which would be relatively safe from attack. As a result Longbridge itself gained several new facilities for aircraft manufacture.

“Flight Shed was distinctive for its interior space incorporating an impressive roof structure which minimised the use of pillars.

“Close by was a new Aero factory which would become known as East Works. The first aircraft built were Fairey Battles, a design which proved disappointing in service.