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).
State and usage of company vehicles, including commercial and experimental cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 135\2\ scan0197 | |
| Date | 3rd May 1942 | |
| -cont'd- -2- and the two remaining cars are kept as spares in emergency for both yourself and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} With regard to our commercial vehicles i.e. 1.B.50, Commer, Morris and Fordson, the Fordson is the only reasonable new vehicle although the Commer up to now has been very reliable. The Morris Van is a 1932 model and was worn out when sent to Derby from Cricklewood at the commencement of the war. 1.B.50 is being used as a lorry purely to get a mileage on a B.60 engine and we are continually in trouble with clutches gear boxes and rear axles. From the above it will be seen that we have a most unreliable set of vehicles to attempt to run a transport department unless we are prepared to expect that 50% of the vehicles will be in the shops for service whilst the other 50% are on the road. Some time ago we agreed to surrender two motor car licences of Bentley cars to enable us to obtain two smaller vehicles, we have now been asked to surrender two further licences before we can obtain our two small cars. At the moment I have surrendered 1.R.1. licence only, and am awaiting your assistance in clearing up the whole position, bearing in mind the fact that we are now apparently responsible for the transport of goods and personnel of the Glasgow branch of the Tank Division. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} P.S. Other Experimental Department cars :- 30.G.VII Being used by Transport Department 10.B.V. Being used by O.C. Bomber Command. 7.B.V. Stored at Shardlow. 2.B.50 Stored at Shardlow. 4.B.50. Stored at Shardlow. 1.R.1. Stored at Shardlow. | ||