Pioneers of Flight: Made in Medway: An Oral History Project

Your voice matters. Your memories shape our history

Oral History Medway are collecting family stories, memories, and reflections from people connected to the Short Brothers aircraft factory.

Whether you have a personal connection, memories of the factory, or have stories about a relative who may have worked there, we’d love to hear it.

We are especially interested in the social clubs, apprenticeships, women’s roles within the company, the connection between the Rochester and Belfast sites and memories of the aircraft produced.

How to Take Part

Contribute a memory - big or small. Share photos, letters, or objects that help tell your story. Record an interview with Rob and Chris from Oral History Medway, record a voice note, or write something down yourself. Your contribution will help preserve Rochester’s rich aviation history for future generations.

Selected stories may appear in exhibitions, publications, or online archives (with your permission).

Or email oralhistorymedway@gmail.com

Who are Oral History Medway?

Robert Flood and Dr. Chris de Coulon Berthoud founded Oral History Medway CIC (Community Interest Company) in order to make our shared history inclusive, accessible, and representative of all who have shaped the Medway Towns