27 Sep 1935 - Ministry of Defence, London

[Diarist]

Sally and I left for London early. I was at the annex for about 30 minutes then picked up a Dress Uniform which I'd secretly ordered, (I want to surprise Sally), before going to my new office at the MoD. COL Thomson informed my that a meeting with our science advisors is set for 09:30 in conference room 3. He didn't volunteer where that is but I'll find it without him. In my office I called COL Wilkins, "Where's conference room 3?" So know I know how to get there. I changed the combination on the safe, checked my file cabinet then locked it an put some office material in my desk and locked that too. Next I dropped in the orderly room asking if there is a street map of this building. It turned out it is being updated together with the internal phone book so my name is now on the delivery list. I was also shown my in-tray. So now I'm organized. Apparently the Secretary wants to see me when I arrive so I went to Winston Churchill's office.

The adjutant announced me and I was ushered in. "Just arrived?" He asked.

"About 30 minutes ago but nobody mentioned that you were looking for me, sir. I was organizing my new office."

"Colonel Thomson isn't a fan of yours."

"He doesn't like to volunteer information. How can I help you, sir?"

"Do you know Professor Lindemann?"

"I know of him, sir. He was at Chequers but we weren't introduced to each other."

"He's my chief scientific advisor. If you have any questions about current research projects feel free to ask him."

"I shall do that, sir. Will Henry Tizard also be present? I'm told that RADAR is one of his specialities."

"He's here. Rolls-Royce should have the blueprints by now. Have you checked?"

"No, sir."

"He'd made no preparations to send them Rolls."

"I hope the Germans have people like him."

"Let's go." Smiling.

[Diarist]

Churchill introduced me to everybody, explained my new appointment and mentioned that part of my domain is a Science, Economics and Manpower section. Lindemann asked me what we do there.

"At the moment nothing because there's nobody assigned to it yet. I'll be working on that next month."

"If you have any questions feel free to contact me."

"Thank you. Secretary Churchill has already proposed that. A major headache at the moment is air defence and I believe that you, sir". I turned to Henry Tizard, "You are right address for the latest information about RADAR. I believe that your tests in June were very encouraging."

"They were but it is still early days."

"Of course. Our people have put together a series of questions about the practical applications of RADAR, what time-frame are we talking about, etc. We are having a meeting with the Air Ministry at our TRADOC annex, just down the road from here, and we would really appreciate it if you or one your colleagues could attend. It's on Monday afternoon."

"I'll gladly be there."

"The paper is just to prepare you for what kind of questions you might be asked."

The topic was discussed for about 40 minutes.

"A second area is anti-tank weapons for the individual soldier at squad level. Do we have any ideas or projects in progress?" I told them about my experiences in Africa earlier this month and that we need weaponry tailor made for airborne operations.

Henry Tizard answered. "How about shaped charges and sticky bombs?"

"Sticky bombs? Do you mean explosive chewing gum? When an enemy eats it his head explodes."

"Not exactly, but that's a good idea."

"It won't stop tanks though. But tell us all about it after the meeting on Monday. We have an Army section too."

"Good."

"That's covered the two main problem zones I have, Mr. Secretary. Do you have something you'd like to discuss?"

"You're having lunch with Keynes, correct?"

"I hope so but I don't know for certain. I'm trying to arrange a meeting."

"It has been arranged and I presume it has to do with this?"

"Yes, sir."

"Approved. The second matter, Admiral Keyes needs to be involved."

"I agree. Our two commands overlap in important areas. The cooperation in the recent conflict was excellent. I believe that we can build on it."

"Let's meet at the Army and Navy. How about next Friday evening?"

"That's fine, sir."

"We need to discuss Bomber Command, sir." Lindemann said.

"We did that yesterday, Frederick and I'm satisfied with the answers," Churchill responded.

"Heavy bombers too?"

"Is the Professor also your chief war strategist? I need to go. Sally's waiting to go to King's College. Her father is a lecturer there. That's how I have the Keynes connection."

I thanked everyone then left. Tizard followed me out. "You don't like Lindemann do you?" He asked.

"I don't know him enough but he's living up to his reputation. Let me show you where my office is and from there I can show you were the meeting will be held on Monday."

Sally was in my office. "I'm not late!" I said defending myself. I introduced Henry Tizard then from the window I showed him the entrance to the annex.

"Until Monday."