Post by Diarist on Aug 6, 2016 5:57:38 GMT 1
The visit to Nuffield Mechanization was an expected disappointment. It got to the point where Churchill asked Lord Nuffield, "How exactly are you contributing to the war effort?"
"Which war? I've been asked to help mechanize the Army."
"By the Prime Minister personally, I know. Then show me how you are mechanizing the Army."
"We are still in the design phase."
"Then be so kind as to show us your designs."
"They are not here. They are in Birmingham. I've been asked to prepare our factories for wartime production when we go to war."
"That's been countermanded. We need the equipment before we go to war, not after. That's too late. I'm giving you a new design spec. You are receiving it first. We need a new general-purpose vehicle with four-wheel drive, a crew of three on a wheelbase of no more than 80 in – and track no more than 48 in, featuring a fold-down windshield, can carry a 660 lb payload and be powered by an engine capable of 90 lb.ft of torque and an empty weight of no more than 1,500 lb. I want a design submitted by no later than 01 Feb 1936. Do you have all that?"
"Yes, Mr. Secretary."
"This Friday morning you will bring your designs to the MoD so that we can admire them. Good afternoon, Lord Nuffield, gentlemen."
We left without Irvine or myself saying a word. In the car I asked if we could nationalize some of his production facilities. Churchill is giving him another chance.
"Which war? I've been asked to help mechanize the Army."
"By the Prime Minister personally, I know. Then show me how you are mechanizing the Army."
"We are still in the design phase."
"Then be so kind as to show us your designs."
"They are not here. They are in Birmingham. I've been asked to prepare our factories for wartime production when we go to war."
"That's been countermanded. We need the equipment before we go to war, not after. That's too late. I'm giving you a new design spec. You are receiving it first. We need a new general-purpose vehicle with four-wheel drive, a crew of three on a wheelbase of no more than 80 in – and track no more than 48 in, featuring a fold-down windshield, can carry a 660 lb payload and be powered by an engine capable of 90 lb.ft of torque and an empty weight of no more than 1,500 lb. I want a design submitted by no later than 01 Feb 1936. Do you have all that?"
"Yes, Mr. Secretary."
"This Friday morning you will bring your designs to the MoD so that we can admire them. Good afternoon, Lord Nuffield, gentlemen."
We left without Irvine or myself saying a word. In the car I asked if we could nationalize some of his production facilities. Churchill is giving him another chance.