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).
Letter to the Air Ministry concerning a new magnetic alloy with military applications for bullets, torpedoes, and defence against magnetic mines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 147\2\ scan0126 | |
| Date | 23th November 1939 | |
| 1247 C O P I E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Geneva, 23d November 1939 AIR MINISTRY, LONDON, W.C.2 To the Secretary 763438/38/S8/1835 Sir, You answered on the 28th of July 1938 a letter of the 28th March relating the discovery of a new alloy with magnetic properties found by K..... H...... of Geneva. At the time, the matter having been examined in conjunction with the War Office, the alloy was not considered to be of interest to the Departments. I believe that, now, after the sinking of several boats by help of submarine mines with magnetic properties, the Departments should be able to reconsider carefully the offer made the 28th of March 1938 by H.... concerning this discovery which is, now, property of my Company. Some very interesting experiences have been realized on the shooting-gallery of CARTIGNY near Geneva with "ASSAS" magnetic bullets. At a distance of 328 yards, the bullets shot by help of an ordinary musket of the swiss army have been mightily attracted and turned away from their normal trajectory by the smallest piece of iron (7,18 on 7,18 ins.) hidden behind the mark to be shot at, hence invisible to the eye. One may imagine, what results could be obtained with machine-guns, anti-aerian and anti-tank guns and, even, torpedoes using our magnetic alloy. The german Legation in Bern tried several times to come nearer to H...., but I am glad to say, that he refused the offers made to him by the "Reichsprüfungsanstalt" and that the discovery belongs, now, to my Company which will never allow the Germans to put hands on it. I should be happy, if H..... discovery could be of any help to the Royal Army, Navy and Air Forces, and quite ready to submit the alloy to any official british experts. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, sign. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Siegrist. | ||