The HDA

My late Father, Reg Norris, worked from 1939 on drop forgings and in later years as Senior Foreman Drop Forgings.  Until we got a works bungalow in 1950 he travelled from The Black Country on day and night shifts.   He loved his work and retired reluctantly in 1977 but continued playing for the Bowls Team.   In latter years he studied at the local college for his exams, with the company sending him abroad on their behalf at times.  He had many tales to tell of the difficulties of driving on only sidelights from Oldbury to Redditch during World War Two.  Therefore my father had much travelling during the War with all the attendant risks.   He was very well respected by all his workmates and was often asked to speak and tell humorous anecdotes at Foremen's Dinners with his dry wit.  He did get flack for not joining a proposed strike, but my Father was far too loyal to High Duty Alloys to do that.   At the talk I read out a wonderful poem his men had given him upon his retirement.   I also met afterwards two men who were his apprentices and it was evident that the camaraderie both during and after the War was what made H.D.A. an excellent place to work.

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