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).
Supply of parts for armoured cars, design responsibilities, and the risk to a £200,000 contract.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\6\ Scan199 | |
| Date | 12th October 1920 | |
| -2- BJ12/H12.10.20. (Contd.) Please also let me have similar information in regard to the magneto starter, to be fitted so that it can be operated from the interior of the armoured car. I presume that we could, in either case, supply a hundred of these before the 21st November, but if not, can you give me any idea of how long, approximately, it is likely to be after the 21st November before these parts are ready? If Mr. Royce supplies the designs, I presume that we should have to make one of each instrument and ascertain whether it is successful in operation, and when we have tested it, we should then have to start manufacturing. If we design and manufacture a part throughout, we should presumably be responsible for it being in every way a success, whereas if we purchase such parts on the market, as suggested by the War Office, then the War Office take the responsibility for their success or failure. I know you will appreciate how important this matter is, in view of the value of the Contract being £200,000, and if these two parts are not ready for delivery with all their fittings by the 21st November, the War Office have it in their power to cancel the whole order and we should have 100 chassis thrown on our hands, which, at the present juncture, in view of the body-building strike, would be an extremely serious matter. Will you kindly send Mr. Royce a copy of this memorandum, and your reply? If you send it to me here, I will see that it is forwarded to him as he will be staying in London for the Board meeting. I attach an extra copy of this memorandum for this purpose. BJ. | ||