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).
Highlighting process and record-keeping issues within the Order Department due to direct communications with firms.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 142\1\ scan0013 | |
| Date | 19th October 1937 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1204 Roy{Sir Henry Royce}/AV.15/IB. 19.10.37. It is very difficult for the Order Dept. to deal with Experimental details due to the fact that each individual appears to be writing direct to firms, or getting into communication with them personally, and we are not aware of what transpires. Accounts cannot be kept in order, neither can our records unless this Dept. is acquainted with what goes on after the order has been placed. We attach hereto Advice Note 53865 from The British Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd. (which please return) for Buffers instructed verbally by Mr. Leslie and as far as we can trace no order has been placed. Then we have been in communication with Messrs. Leonard Williams Ltd. concerning order No. 45890, which was placed as far back as the 9th August. For your guidance in this matter, we attach hereto their letter WBT/MF. of the 18th inst. You see this has been dealt with by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} and we have no knowledge of same. If you can put this matter on a more satisfactory basis it would be helpful to all concerned. Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||