For some years prior to World War II the foundry was engaged by the War Department to produce Tanks and other Munitions as well as Torpedo's and Gun Mechanisms for the Admiralty. Evidence of this is shown in the locomotive order book with the tail off in orders from 1937 through to 1943 when full production of locomotives resumed with an order for 390 Austerity 2-8-0 for the Ministry of Supply. A similar tail off in large scale munitions manufacture was seen at the nearby Risley Royal Ordnance factory which dropped down to 1 shift in 1943 from round the clock working as by this time Britain was stuffed full of munitions.
 

A small selection of Photographs are shown below

Matilda tanks being assembled in the locomotive erection shop	King George VI and the Queen Mother walking past a Matilda tank with chalked greeting during a tour of the Vulcan Foundry
Matilda Tanks were tested on works land to the rear of the foundry	Matilda Tanks in action in North Africa 1944
A Prime Target for the Luftwaffe along with the Wagon Works	Mk 2 'Matilda' Tank being driven through Vulcan Village to the testing ground.