Christ Church, Chemistry and the World Wars

Christ Church, Chemistry and the World Wars

A Symposium to mark the centenary of the death of Andrea Angel in the Silvertown Explosion on 19 January 1917

Background

This is an afternoon symposium to commemorate the centenary of the death of Andrea Angel (an undergraduate and Chemistry Tutor at Christ Church) in the Silvertown Explosion at the Brunner-Mond factory in East London on January 19th 1917. When a fire broke out in the TNT processing area, about 50 tons ignited. The resulting explosion killed 73 people and injured over 400. Up to 70,000 properties in the surrounding area were damaged; 900 nearby were destroyed or unsalvageable. The resulting fires were visible from Maidstone and Guildford and the blast was heard over 100 miles away.

When the fire broke out Angel, who was Chief Chemist at the site, went in to rescue his workers and was killed in the explosion. In recognition of his heroism he was awarded (amongst other tributes) the Edward Medal (1st Class) – precursor to the George Cross.

Angel is the first name on the World War 1 memorials at Exeter School, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and the Royal Society of Chemistry in addition being remembered on a memorial stone located near the site of the explosion. He has also recently been recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry as one of their “175 Faces of Chemistry” and a Blue Plaque has just been approved for display on the site of his Oxford Banbury Road home by the Oxfordshire Blue Plaques Board.

The first half of the afternoon will focus on Andrea Angel, the Brunner-Mond Factory, and life in Christ Church during the World Wars. These will be followed in the second session by talks about Professor Lindemann’s role in World War 2 and Chemical Warfare and the World Wars. The afternoon session will be concluded by a short discussion concerning the moral questions faced by scientists in the context of defence and warfare.

There will be an accompanying exhibition in the college’s Picture Gallery where it is hoped to display various heirlooms from the Angel family archive including the Edward Medal and other honours together with contemporary press cuttings etc. There will also be a poster display by pupils from Exeter School (Angel’s secondary school).

In addition to members of the college, it is intended that the event should be open to members of the University, the Royal Society of Chemistry and members of the wider public (though numbers are limited to 100 attendees).

Ticket price includes: entry to the symposium; tea and cake at the break; followed by drinks during the wine reception in the Picture Gallery.

There are a limited number of bursaries available to those in full time education. If you wish to apply please write to: anna.port@chch.ox.ac.uk, stating why you feel you should be considered for a free place.

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Christ Church, Chemistry and the World Wars

Friday 17 March 2017

Blue Boar Lecture Room,

Christ Church (University of Oxford)

13.30-14.00 Registration

14.00-14.05 Welcome: Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy (Dean of Christ Church)

Session 1 Chairman: Prof Richard Wayne (Christ Church)

14.05-14.35 Dr Martin Grossel, (Christ Church): “Andrea Angel and the Explosion at the Brunner-Mond Factory, Silvertown”

14.35- 14.55 Sir Hugo Brunner (Trinity College, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire 1996-2008): “The Brunner-Mond factory and WWI”

14.55-15.15 Judith Curthoys (Christ Church Archivist): “Christ Church members and the World Wars”

15.15-16.00 Tea and Exhibition

Session 2 Chairman: Dr Martin Grossel (Christ Church)

16.00-16.45 Professor David Dunmur (Christ Church): “The Prof at War: the story of Frederick Lindemann, 1st Viscount Cherwell”

16.45- 17.30 Professor Ken Seddon (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast): “Chemical Weapons and the World Wars”

17.30- 17.50 Discussion and Closing remarks. Chaired by Reverend Professor Nigel Biggar (Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology, Christ Church)

18.00- 19.00 Reception and Exhibition – Christ Church Picture Gallery

Parking will be available in the Meadows from 12 midday.

Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come first basis, so book early to avoid disappointment.