There can be no mention of the history of Birtley without the 'Birtley Belgians' and their profound and lasting effect on the area and its people.
A sovereign Belgian enclave on British soil, Elisabethville was a unique, purpose built and self-contained village for its Belgian community,
despite many men having been declared unfit to return to active service.
The work force comprised of around 85% war wounded, men who had re-trained to work in the factory and Birtley NPF was one of the most productive in the country.
