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).
Specification and allocation of 25 guns for the Air Ministry, considering different potential uses.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 176\1\ img163 | |
| Date | 21th April 1941 | |
| To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Ve. Ve.1/CB.21.4.41. 25 GUNS FOR THE AIR MINISTRY. In reply to your Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}15/ML.18.4.41, it is possible to give a specification for the parts common to the above guns and the BD{Mr Berend} Naval guns on which the B.U.S.M. could commence manufacture. Is it certain, however, that these 25 guns will be used for Aerodrome Defence on Powered Mountings, or is it not possible that they may be diverted to beaufighter use? D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Arm. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} has already authorised the allocation of two of the guns for this purpose. If the guns are ultimately used for the Beaufighter, many of the parts, at present common to the BD{Mr Berend}, will have to be modified to save weight (breech ring and buffer cylinder for instance). Unless the B.U.S.M. consider that the parts can be lightened successfully after manufacture, without consequent risk of distortion, we would prefer to hold our hand until the ultimate use of the guns is established. Meanwhile, we are preparing a statement showing the common parts and indicating those which will require lightening. JE Ve. | ||