Cardiff Docks Gallery

The Goods Yard at Cardiff Docks in 1943

The Goods Yard at Cardiff Docks in September 1943 is the subject of this image featuring a group of ladies stacking boxes that have probably just been off-loaded from a goods train. Staff shortages at docks at the beginning of the war led to changes in the terms of employment for dock workers with staff being transferred from casual to permanent contracts with guaranteed work and a minimum wage. This made the job more appealing and ensured a more reliable labour-force in what was a crucial industry for the war effort. By the time this photograph was taken in 1943 over 100 women were employed in a variety of roles at Cardiff Docks