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 from The British Power Boat Company discussing the Admiralty's requirements for a 40mm gun.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 175\3\ img290 | |
| Date | 13th January 1941 | |
| 3 DESIGNERS & BUILDERS OF THE WORLD'S FINEST CRAFT FOR SERVICE & PLEASURE CONTRACTORS TO THE ADMIRALTY WAR OFFICE AND AIR MINISTRY RACING SUCCESSES INCLUDE THE CHAMPIONSHIPS OF THE WORLD AMERICA, EUROPE, ITALY & GERMANY The British POWER BOAT CO Ltd HYTHE, SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND DESIGNERS & BUILDERS OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS RACING CRAFT INCLUDING MISS BRITAIN I. II & III ALSO MISS ENGLAND I TELEGRAMS: POWER, HYTHE, HANTS TELEPHONE: HYTHE, HANTS 201 (10 LINES) When replying, kindly quote references GSS/PG. 417. 13th January 1941. Messrs Rolls Royce Ltd., DERBY. Dear Sirs, For the attention of W.A.Robotham Esq., I paid a visit to Admiralty, Bath recently when the question of 40 mm Guns was discussed, and I understand the reason they do not favour your gun is that they require one which is fully automatic having a rate of fire approximately 300 rounds per minute. There appears to be an urgent need for a modern gun of this type, for at present we propose using the 40 mm. Vickers which is many years old. If I remember rightly, when Mr D.J. Abbot-Anderson first discussed your gun with Mr Barker you had in mind a fully automatic, quick firing gun and since the weight of the gun now under discussion is so excessive, we cannot help feeling it would be in your own interest, as well as ours if your original idea were carried out in the next few months. If we can assist you in any way we should be glad to do so. Yours faithfully, For THE BRITISH POWER BOAT COMPANY LTD. G.S.Selman. Naval Architect. | ||