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).
Secret memo discussing the development of an advanced Leyland Meteor engine for a Mark VI tank.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\4\ scan0198 | |
| Date | 20th December 1940 | |
| SECRET. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Sy file Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}6/NL.20.12.40. TANK PROJECT. We saw Mr. Durrant, Director of Tank Development, at Leyland's. Messrs Spurrier and Pilkington were also present. It was agreed that we should endeavour to get an advanced edition of the Leyland Meteor engine in a Mark VI. tank, as soon as possible. Leyland's say that they are prepared to make every possible effort to help on the job. The Tank Board have experienced so many troubles with every engine they have fitted into a tank that they are apprehensive of jeopardising their production by introducing a new type, until they have some practical proof that it will give the results they want in a tank. If, however, we can get a run sufficiently soon it may prevent Leyland's going into production with a Liberty. We expect to be able to let Leyland's have complete detail drawings for the first tank engine, by the middle of January. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||