Post by Diarist on Jul 30, 2016 5:08:36 GMT 1
After the meeting Sir Philip asked if we could talk for a few moments. I invited him to the Annex but explained that I need to drop in my office here first. At the Annex General Gort and the others from TRADOC were already there. "So we have designs for Armour Brigades? Any other surprises?"
"Sir, the Armour Section has existed for six months and they haven't been twiddling their thumbs the whole time."
"OK but Spring of '38 at the earliest. That's over two years from now. That needs some explaining."
"I was referring to an Armoured Division with all the newly designed equipment. We could put together a division before Christmas but it would have tankettes not tanks, towed artillery and anti-tank guns, etc. You getting the message, Sir? It would be a useless division and would never be employed. Creating four brigade-sized battlegroups now which can later be expanded to divisions means that by the end of 1938 we'll have four fully equipped Armoured Divisions fielding the latest designs."
"Why don't I know about all these plans?"
"Ask the head of the Armour Section. He's standing next to you, Sir. Now if you don't mind, General, Sir Philip has a few questions."
"Go ahead, Bob."
"Let's join AVM Freeman in his office," I said to Sir Philip.
"I wanted to thank you for your support at Vickers-Armstrong and Bristol. They appear to have a plan now."
"All part of the service, Sir. We have the same interests as the Air Ministry. The good news is that de Havilland will be producing Merlin engines under licence at a new factory and we are looking at producing Merlin's in the USA at Allison Engine Company."
"Rolls-Royce will be also expanding?"
"Yes, at Castle Bromwich. We need to know how to hire the workers under the new provisions."
"We are drafting the paperwork while we are speaking."
"Do we have AM Specs. for monoplane torpedo and dive bombers for aircraft carriers?"
"We do for a dive bomber. I believe it's 27/34."
"Do you have any designs yet?"
"Not that I know of."
"Can you prepare one for a torpedo bomber, Sir?"
"I'll initiate a project. Anything you'd like to have in the spec.?"
"We are trying to get a licence to produce an American 1600hp radial engine for both aircraft. With that engine we'll have a lot of possibilities."
"Indeed. We might want to rewrite 27/34 too."
"That would be a good idea. With the same engine for both aircraft it would simplify supply and maintenance requirements."
"I agree. Anything else?"
"Not at the moment, Sir. How about you, Air Marshall?"
"Could we design a naval fighter using the same engine?"
"Theoretically, yes." I thought for a moment. "Do we have an existing design that can accept the engine, Sir Philip?"
"We could look at the Boulton-Paul design but without the four gun turret."
"I'll check at Hawker to see what designs they have."
"Do that. I'll keep in touch."
After Sir Philip had gone AVM Freeman asked me about the meeting at the MoD.
"I got a bit annoyed and even slammed my fist on the table. I don't think that artillery general will be commanding the Mobile Division though. We went on collision course and I believe he lost. I have to call Vickers-Armstrong. Do you need anything from them?"
"No."
"Then until later, Sir."
"Sir, the Armour Section has existed for six months and they haven't been twiddling their thumbs the whole time."
"OK but Spring of '38 at the earliest. That's over two years from now. That needs some explaining."
"I was referring to an Armoured Division with all the newly designed equipment. We could put together a division before Christmas but it would have tankettes not tanks, towed artillery and anti-tank guns, etc. You getting the message, Sir? It would be a useless division and would never be employed. Creating four brigade-sized battlegroups now which can later be expanded to divisions means that by the end of 1938 we'll have four fully equipped Armoured Divisions fielding the latest designs."
"Why don't I know about all these plans?"
"Ask the head of the Armour Section. He's standing next to you, Sir. Now if you don't mind, General, Sir Philip has a few questions."
"Go ahead, Bob."
"Let's join AVM Freeman in his office," I said to Sir Philip.
"I wanted to thank you for your support at Vickers-Armstrong and Bristol. They appear to have a plan now."
"All part of the service, Sir. We have the same interests as the Air Ministry. The good news is that de Havilland will be producing Merlin engines under licence at a new factory and we are looking at producing Merlin's in the USA at Allison Engine Company."
"Rolls-Royce will be also expanding?"
"Yes, at Castle Bromwich. We need to know how to hire the workers under the new provisions."
"We are drafting the paperwork while we are speaking."
"Do we have AM Specs. for monoplane torpedo and dive bombers for aircraft carriers?"
"We do for a dive bomber. I believe it's 27/34."
"Do you have any designs yet?"
"Not that I know of."
"Can you prepare one for a torpedo bomber, Sir?"
"I'll initiate a project. Anything you'd like to have in the spec.?"
"We are trying to get a licence to produce an American 1600hp radial engine for both aircraft. With that engine we'll have a lot of possibilities."
"Indeed. We might want to rewrite 27/34 too."
"That would be a good idea. With the same engine for both aircraft it would simplify supply and maintenance requirements."
"I agree. Anything else?"
"Not at the moment, Sir. How about you, Air Marshall?"
"Could we design a naval fighter using the same engine?"
"Theoretically, yes." I thought for a moment. "Do we have an existing design that can accept the engine, Sir Philip?"
"We could look at the Boulton-Paul design but without the four gun turret."
"I'll check at Hawker to see what designs they have."
"Do that. I'll keep in touch."
After Sir Philip had gone AVM Freeman asked me about the meeting at the MoD.
"I got a bit annoyed and even slammed my fist on the table. I don't think that artillery general will be commanding the Mobile Division though. We went on collision course and I believe he lost. I have to call Vickers-Armstrong. Do you need anything from them?"
"No."
"Then until later, Sir."