From a horse and cart at The Limes at Beacontree Heath, Dagenham, Mr W. Wakefield (Senior) began a business spanning four generations. The traditional scrap metal and rag merchant began in 1943, after being demobbed from the army with an injured back from the Dunkirk evacuation. With the help of W. Wakefield (junior) the business quickly progressed, earning council contracts from all over London buying their scrap metal and rag (textiles). Growth of the business continued until 1960, when Dagenham Council compulsory purchased the site. The business was then moved to the existing site at Crow Lane, Romford, when the original founder retired and the new name, “Crow Metals” was added. Mr W. Wakefield (junior) continued until 1969, when at the age of 39, a stroke left him partially disabled. Mr W. C. Wakefield (Billy), left school at the age of thirteen to help his father run the business. Crow Metals has moved into the twenty first century, not only providing services for scrap metal, but also moving into waste management, recycling, haulage and lifting services, with Mr J. Wakefield joining the family business!