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).
Shortfalls in a gun production programme and the transfer of manufacturing responsibility.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 176\3\ img066 | |
| Date | 15th October 1940 | |
| HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} PRODUCTION PROGRAMME, Attached is a copy of the programme which, it was tentatively agreed, should be the target aimed at by both the B.U.S.M. and ourselves, with regard to gun deliveries. You will observe that we should have delivered twelve guns by the end of September. In point of fact, only two have been sent away. I think that, in fairness to the Admiralty, this production programme should now be revised in the light of further experience, and programme of deliveries be laid down which can be maintained. I will discuss this matter with you next time I am in Derby. In fairness to ourselves, a sentence was put in Blackstone's report, which read as follows :- "The entire responsibility for the manufacture of the gun has now been handed over to B.U.S.M. although Rolls Royce Limited will continue to co-operate with them in connection with design matters. The production costs will be the subject of discussion between B.U.S.M. and the Admiralty, but in view of the interest of Rolls Royce Limited, in the prospect that this gun will prove simple and cheap to manufacture, it is proposed that a further investigation into production times should be made with B.U.S.M. after 100 guns have been produced and the greater part of the tooling put into use.".... Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||