From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Resolving cylinder water leaks, discussing production challenges like improving welding, using diluted female labour, and a shortage of inspectors due to military conscription.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\6\ Scan025 | |
Date | 3rd October 1918 | |
To EH. from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Mr. Swift. c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Copy. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}3/T3.10.18. X.3381 4 RE CYLINDER WATER LEAKS. I am very interetsed in your memo - EH3/LC24918 and I think we should do as you suggest. I have instructed that a set of American cylinders be sent over to you immediately, no doubt you will have got them by now. We have, of course, Inspectors inspecting our welding, and we are taking strenuous steps to try and improve our welding, but unfortunately we are having to contunually dilute with women, and we are also pressed for output, and it is quite a job to detect all these little troubles, especially considering the enormous quantity of cylinders that we are turning out, which are very often not appreciated in estimating troubles. However, your suggestions are very valuable and I should be glad if you will consult with Mr. Swift as to the best means of getting over these difficulties. It is certainly very important that we get over them as rapidly as possible, because we must always turn out a quality job. I shall be interested to know what steps you will be able to take to improve the job. I am assured by Mr. Swift that special efforts are being made to make the job 100%. With regard to the question of Inspectors, unfortunately it is our really weak spot, owing to the continual drain on our labour by the Military, 17 are going this week making a total of over 200 during the last 3 months, and it is making it wellnigh impossible to get anyone sensible enough to inspect work. Still, we must fight these difficulties, but they are real ones, and to get the Works producing work equal to our quality of a few months ago is exceedingly difficult, consequently, there is a great need for the closest possible co-operation to get the best possible results. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||