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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).
Accidents related to headlamps and a misunderstanding over a front silencer lagging clip.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 131\4\  scan0086
Date  10th March 1937
  
-2- 10.3.37.

Headlamps.

In view of the serious and frequent accidents that had occurred in France a firm hand had to be taken both with regard to the drivers and the condition of the cars themselves. There is no doubt whatsoever that Rose's accident with 35-EX was primarily due to the Lucas Head-lamps. There are other reasons why the accident should not have occurred, but this does not get over the fact that the dimming arrangement of the Lucas' lamp was at fault, and in order to avoid any possibilities of any further accidents of this nature correct dimming head lamps were fitted. It is not a question of conforming to French regulations in any respect, but it must be realised that on many occasions our cars have been ditched or driven off the road, and it has been only good luck on the part of our drivers that further serious accidents have not occurred. In view of these possibilities, RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} requested me to cut out night driving to a minimum, which has been done. This in itself is an admission that our Head Lamps are faulty. Lucas' in the past would not be told of faults, and it was not until an owner turned his car over that our frequent reports of blacking out was rectified. It was only Providence that myself and A.B. Roberts were not seriously involved due to the above, therefore, it is reasonable to take a strong action against faulty dipping Head Lamps. The Lucas Head Lamp can be made to give good results in every respect if their Technical Staff care to get down to the job.

-----------------

With regard to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/G.H. Whyman's report to I. Waller, re the front silencer sent out to Chateauroux. There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding going on. The clip which Waller reported coming off is a lagging clip, and has nothing whatever to do with the design or manufacture of the front silencer.

The lagging clip in question was reported from Kingsbury by myself some time ago as a customer's complaint, a small lug welded on to the expansion box prevented the slipping off of the lagging clip. This has been done, and I received a memo that it was now in production. Waller only reported that the expansion box he received should have had this lug fitted to prevent the lagging clip falling off. We do not know to what Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Whyman is referring in his memo, and would be much obliged for further enlightenment.


Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}

[Handwritten notes in left margin:]
W.T. Main
Main a
double pair
two filament
10/- GRY{Shadwell Grylls}
  
  


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