|
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 21, 2020 22:12:03 GMT 12
Oh right. Well it is very interesting to have learned that even before the war the RNZAF was planning on fitting radar to at least some of the Wellingtons. I know some of the RNZAF's Vincents and Hudsons had radar fitted too for maritime patrol work but before today I never knew it was planned for the Wellingtons.
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Apr 22, 2020 10:56:33 GMT 12
I am trying to obtain copies of the production records, delivery records and/or movement cards for those first twelve NZ Wellingtons, assuming that construction had already started on at least some of the second batch when the order was cancelled.
Hopefully after the lock-down we might be able to find out more about them and shed some light on the radar installation.
|
|
|
Post by isc on Apr 22, 2020 13:05:00 GMT 12
I remember about the time I built my first crystal set, dad how was helping said it was looking more complex than the ASV radar that was fitted to a Vinent, he said that it was fairly short range, just a mile or two to pick up a moderate size ship. I think there are some bits of the experimental sets on display at the museum Wigram. isc
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 26, 2020 15:21:13 GMT 12
Yes a handful of the Whenuapai and Waipapakauri Vickers Vincents were fitted with ASV radar for coastal patrols. It was all highly secret. DavidD will undoubtedly have more information.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 1, 2020 23:21:54 GMT 12
SCIENTIFIC CENTRE
HUTT LABORATORYPARLIAMENTARY VISITORSThe impression of about 30 members of Parliament who visited the Dominion Physical Laboratory at Lower Hutt yesterday was summed up by Mr. W. J. Polson, M.P., when he said: "We have certainly had a most bewildering but, nevertheless, a fascinating morning. We are filled with admiration for the work you are doing, and we hope you will carry on the same work for the development of the Dominion in peace as you did in war." Mr. Polson spoke as deputy for the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Holland), who had to return to Wellington before the party was addressed by Dr. Marsden, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. This is the second visit that legislators have paid to the laboratory, where service secrets have been most closely guarded during the war period. A party of 28 Parliamentarians toured the buildings last week. They also were received by Dr. Marsden, and the director of the laboratory, Dr. E. R. Cooper. In addition to inspecting the work in progress, the visitors yesterday heard a brief lecture by Dr. Marsden on the research that resulted in the development of the atomic bomb. While New Zealand had certain deposits of uranium, he said, Canada was far more fortunately situated in that respect, and, because of its potential value in energy, would become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Dr. Marsden spoke of the pioneer services of the late Lord Rutherford, with whom he had been associated in research in the investigation of atomic structure. Referring to the work of the laboratory, Dr. Marsden said the organisation had been the one behind the munitions effort, and while its activities would now be utilised in peace, it was essential that New Zealand should never be again caught, for in some of its activities the organisation had taken at least two years to establish. After the outbreak of war, many instruments could no longer be imported, and the laboratory had had to make them. For example, between 300 and 400 pyrometers had been manufactured. Such an organisation was an insurance policy for this country: it could be used again at a moment's notice. He hoped there would not be "next time," but they must be ready for defence requirements. Dr. Marsden said that with the development of new products and processes the laboratory, which he called "a happy combination of expert mechanics, scientists, and engineers," could render additional service to the Dominion in the post-war years. It had been a marvellous experience for him to work with such a team. After Dunkirk, he proceeded, the Department had been "given its head," and expense had not been considered. But instrument for instrument, those made by the laboratory had actually been less expensive than those previously obtained from abroad. It was not then a question of cost, but that was how it worked out. "If we vise our young scientists and engineers properly there is nothing that this country cannot do. That fact has been proved. It will be the country that makes the best use of its young technicians during the next 20 years that will make good. There are such tremendous changes in the scientific world that New Zealand cannot afford to ignore them." While he was not advocating Government control of industry, if was essential that there should be the fullest co-operation between its scientific staff and private enterprise. Dr. Cooper said the staff of the laboratory was most anxious that it should pull its weight in New Zealand's industry, and that the utmost use should be made of it. Indicating what had been accomplished, he stated that in four years no fewer than 22,000 gauges had been made in the tool room for munitions. As each was valued at about £5, that work had a value of about £100,000. About 8000 special tools had been made for the Services, none of which could have been imported, apart from other "special jobs" that numbered' many thousands. EVENING POST, 31 AUGUST 1945 About 30 members of Parliament visited the Dominion Physical Laboratory at Lower Hutt yesterday, where they learnt details of the war work done there by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The Secretary of the Department (Dr. E. Marsden), on the right, is seen addressing the party.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 6, 2020 1:19:39 GMT 12
RADIO AMATEURSTHREE SUCCESSFUL NEW ZEALANDERSWhen William Young, then a Palmerston North Technical College boy, dropped into a radio shop in his home town, Feilding, in pre-war days and became interested in radio, little did he dream that eventually he was to become associated with research connected with one of the marvels of the age - the atomic bomb. With Frank Scarrott and John R. Shirley, both Napier school boys, he was subsequently connected with successful high frequency radio tests when communication was established in 1938 between trawlers operating off Napier and the shore base. The three boys were then members of the Palmerston North Radio Emergency Corps, which conducted the experiments. Radio-telephony was used, and the crews of the vessels were able to converse with workers on other trawlers many miles away, as well as with the base station at Napier. William Young later obtained a bursary that took him to Canterbury College, where he obtained his degree in electrical and mechanical engineering. At the outbreak of war, while still at the University, he entered the radio development laboratory of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and was later sent to Canada, where he was among the research assistants engaged on the development of the atomic bomb. Another of the three, John Shirley, toured North and South America before the war, spent some time in England, where he joined the Marconi Company, and, as a radio operator, served at sea. He was in England when war broke out. Returning to New Zealand early in 1940, he joined the Signals Section of the Army, secured a commission as lieutenant, and served in the Middle East with the New Zealanders. In Italy he was in charge of the group that captured the German commander, General von Alten, and his staff. Of late he has been engaged in the vicinity of Trieste, where he developed an electronic weapon for disrupting enemy communications. He now holds the rank of major. The third member of the group, Frank Scarrott, served with the Field Artillery Signals, where he gained his commission as lieutenant, and twice visited the Pacific. The success of these young men, and many other New Zealanders who obtained their initial scientific training in amateur radio, draws attention to the importance of the voluntary work carried out in the Dominion prior to the outbreak of war. When hostilities broke out all amateur radio organisations were disbanded. Many young people in various parts of the country are now looking forward to an early resumption of activities. EVENING POST, 8 SEPTEMBER 1945 Three young New Zealand amateur radio enthusiasts whose training stood them in good stead. From the left, Messrs. William Young (later atomic bomb research assistant), Frank Scarrott, and John R. Shirley, conducting experiments in a trawler off Napier in 1938. The photograph, taken by Mr. K. D. McEiven, was subsequently autographed by Count Felix von Luckner.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 22, 2020 14:54:33 GMT 12
|
|
|
Post by fwx on Aug 17, 2021 12:26:08 GMT 12
Thank you Mark, my apologies, I've only just come across your link.
In the meantime I've obtained a copy of the section of DSIR history that covers Marsden's radar investigations and procurement, “DSIR [Department of Scientific and Industrial Research] World War 2 Narratives. No 3. Radar. Copy No. 3”, Archives NZ, Reference: AAOQ 28051 W3424 16/
On the 2nd of August 1939, Acting Prime Minister Walter Nash advised Marsden that cabinet had approved expenditure for 34 ASV sets, enough to equip the whole Wellington fleet!
Unfortunately, Marsden had to explain that there were at that time only six ASV sets in use in Britain and with the intense pressure to supply the RAF, he was only able to secure one.
|
|
|
Post by ErrolC on Aug 17, 2021 12:52:58 GMT 12
EXPRESSION OF THANKS
GESTURE OF RADAR RESEARCH PERSONNEL
FIELD DAY TO BE HELD FOR PUBLIC Thanks to the people of the Ashburton County and Borough for their hospitality to, and co-operation with all members of the Department of Scientific Research engaged in radar investigations in the County were expressed yesterday afternoon by Mr R. S. Unwin (chief scientific officer) when representatives of local bodies and organisations were entertained at afternoon tea at the Ashburton airport.... ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, 21 NOVEMBER 1946 Mr Unwin is mentioned in this presentation on SW Pacific electronic warfare.
|
|
marconi
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 5
|
Post by marconi on Sept 15, 2021 11:15:26 GMT 12
VALUABLE EXPERIENCE GAINEDTeam of Radio Engineers from New ZealandWAR-TIME RESEARCH IN BRITAINFrom A. W. Mitchell, Special Correspondent Rec. 7.30 p.m LONDON, June 5. Nearly three years ago, on June 16, 1944, what may be described as the smallest expeditionary force ever to leave New Zealand flew from Auckland to England. It comprised 11 radio engineers, all trained in the development and production of signals equipment. Their assignment was to assist the Ministry of Supply with the production of radio equipment for the approaching campaign in the Far East. At that time the Ministry was desperately short of trained radio engineers and readily accepted a suggestion by Dr E. Marsden, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, that New Zealanders should help to fill the gap. Later the team was joined by a twelfth New Zealander; with the exception of two all have now returned to the Dominion after varied experiences which included the cross-examination of German scientists and the collation of information regarding the German rocket V2. While being of direct assistance to teams of British radio engineers working for the Ministry, they also gained some valuable knowledge for New Zealand reproduction — new recording systems, the application of electronics to industrial processes, television, plastics, and the various uses of very high-frequency radio. Particularly interesting in the field of v.h.f. is its use for police radio, and it is understood that the New Zealand Government is at present securing further information on this subject from the British Home Office. The Government has also been informed of the latest developments in the use of v.h.f. for emergency services, including ambulances, ship to shore communication, and radio for trains. Valuable information was secured, too, by the New Zealand team on manufacturing technique and factory layouts in keeping with the modern trend of development in the industry. The team comprised T. Hill, R. W. Schdroski, of the Post and Telegraph Department, I. K. Walker, of the DSIR, D. K. Collett, T. P. Joseph, and P. B. Armitage, of the N.Z.E.F Signals. Those from private firms were O. N. Curtis, J. M. Gifford, and A. P. Gregg, from Wellington, and R. J. Orbell, RJ. Long, and L. Ferguson, from Auckland. Diversified Fields On arrival in England in 1944, Walker went to the radar research and development establishment at Malvern, in Worcestershire. One of his most interesting tasks was to join an English team experimenting to locate by radar the firing-point of artillery and mortars. He is now engaged with another New Zealander, O. N. Watson-Munro, on atomic energy research at Professor Cockroft’s establishment at Harwell. Curtis and Gifford went to the headquarters branch of the director of signals research and development in London. Curtis is now attached to DSIR in London, and will be returning to New Zealand shortly. The remaining members went to the signals research and development establishment in Hampshire for a period, and were engaged on development for the production of army radio equipment for use in the tropics. Later Curtis, Collett, Joseph, and Armitage moved to the Ministry's radio production unit at Woolwich, in London, where they are assisting with the work of developing a v.h.f. pack set. Remarkable Radio SetWorking with English teams throughout, the New Zealanders saw the development of army intercept communication receivers for use in tropical areas and a portable radio transmitter and receiver for use in all parts of the world. It is designed to withstand immersion in many feet of water, to operate in heavy tropical rainstorms and heat, and it is sealed against dust and sand. It could be carried by men, mules or in motor vehicles. This set was distinct from the v.h.f. pack set, which operated on frequencies recommended by Sir Edward Appleton’s radio propagation committee. Weighing only 54lb, it was the first portable equipment of its kind and could be used for communication between land stations and aircraft, in dense bush and jungle. It was proofed against electrical interferences, tropical rain and moisture. In all their work, the New Zealanders have had every help and assistance from Colonel W. Raby, C.B.E., who at that time was the chief superintendent at the research and development establishment in Hampshire, and also of the radio production unit at Woolwich. Colonel Raby is now engaged in expansion of the South African steel industry at the invitation of General Smuts and Dr Vanberbjl. The New Zealanders formed a great admiration for him. There is no doubt that the associations formed and the knowledge acquired by the New Zealanders, “the smallest expeditionary force.” should be of continuing value to the Dominion. OTAGO DAILY TIMES, 6 JUNE 1947
|
|
marconi
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 5
|
Post by marconi on Sept 15, 2021 11:22:44 GMT 12
I spotted an error in the list of Team Members. The correction is David Peter Joseph not T.P Joseph as shown. David served in Div Signals in 2NZEF. I worked for David at Elekon Overseas ltd in the 1970s and at that time he was still designing and building electronic products. One example was the first generation of electronic sirens used on emergency vehicles.
|
|
|
Post by oj on Sept 17, 2021 20:20:22 GMT 12
I have just watched the presentation above in it's entirety. Absolutely fascinating and well worth the two hours required.
|
|
|
Post by emron on Sept 18, 2021 13:36:08 GMT 12
My Dad was one of the earliest to learn the art of Airborne Radar and help put it into practice.
He had left school early during the Depression to support his family, so lacked much secondary education. However he had worked in the radio business for about four years before the war. Enough to prove as a competent technician and eager to learn. In late 1940, responding to an urgent appeal to the Commonwealth from London, men working in the radio trades from across NZ were called up to be trained in the servicing and operation of a new and top secret technology. As a result my Dad enlisted in the RNZAF on 16 December and was in what I understand the first contingent of these trainees, who by Christmas, were aboard ship bound for the U.K. They arrived at Liverpool on 1 Feb. 1941 and were in camp at RAF Yatesbury, Wiltshire, the following morning, to begin basic training and their course at #2 Radio School RAF. Dad completed this initial training in six weeks and on 18 April departed for RAF Prestwick, Scotland, where he undertook more advanced training in Radar at #3 Radio Direction Finding School RAF. This course ran for 4 weeks after which he left for the nearby flying boat base at RAF Stranraer (Wig Bay) on 17 May, in transit to join the ground crew of 209 Squadron, Coastal Command (Catalinas), based at RAF Castle Archdale, Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, arriving 21 May. He was only there a few days when the Squadron celebrated one of it’s own aircraft being the first to find the Bismarck, but this was soon followed by the sobering news about the fall of Crete. There was little time to settle and establish routines before the Squadron would be on the move, but before then Dad received further terrible news that his best mate Jim was missing in action, the Stirling he was second pilot of having been shot down over the North Sea. The Squadron departed by sea from Lough Erne on 26 July sailing to it’s next station in Iceland, arriving Reykjavik on 2 August. The Squadron duties were to patrol the North Atlantic convoy sea lanes from this strategic location. Their stay coincided with the arrival of US Marine reinforcements for the British garrison there, as well as a stopover visit by Winston Churchill on 16/17 August while returning from a meeting with President Roosevelt. Vibration during the long range patrols and the harsh conditions encountered, took their toll on the delicate dipole antennas fitted to the Catalinas. They were a part of the ASV MkII equipment and some were breaking at a weak point. Dad was tasked with their repair and applying Kiwi ingenuity he worked out a durable fix for this problem. I don’t think this was ever adopted elsewhere as an official mod but according to one of his pals it improved the reliability across their Squadron fleet no-end. Their tour in Iceland was completed early October, they departed Reykjavik on the 6th, arriving at their next base, Pembroke Dock, Wales on 10 October. They continued operations from there until early the following year and no doubt the declaration of war with Japan in December and the fall of Singapore in February 1942 influenced the decision for the Squadron to relocate to East Africa. They departed Pembroke Dock en-route to the Indian Ocean on 30 March 1942 and by 15 June they began setting up their main base on the coast at Kipevu, Mombasa, Kenya. Dad went with the detachment that was established inland at Kisumu on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria. The Squadron would remain there for the duration of the war. He was stationed at Kisumu until late 1943 apart from occasional transfers to Mombasa and one spell of leave in March thru early April 1943 when he was able to travel north by air via Khartoum and Cairo for a road trip of Palestine.
He farewelled 209 Squadron in early November ‘43. The ship sailed from Mombasa 10 November, via Beira, Mozambique for Melbourne, arriving there 7 December. He stayed in Melbourne over Christmas waiting for a vessel to NZ which eventuated on 1 January 1944, arriving Wellington on the 6th, then picked up the overnight train and was re-united with family in Auckland the next day. So completed his overseas service attached to the RAF.
L.J.Wilson NZ405044, Cpl., Radar Mechanic (A), RNZAF, b.1917 – d.1969. RIP Dad.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 26, 2021 20:25:58 GMT 12
This is a postwar development involving Dr. E. Marsden but I have to wonder, why is this method not employed now rather than using expensive helicopters. Perhaps run with electric motors and solar power, this could be a lot cheaper than several choppers over you field each frosty morning? Maybe they could generate their own power too.
EVENING STAR, 31 DECEMBER 1946
A method of controlling frost damage which gives promise of success was mentioned by Dr E. Marsden, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in an interview yesterday. It depended, he said, on the normal occurrence of temperature inversion in frosting condition. The air above the trees on a normal frosty night was warmer than the air at the surface, Dr, Marsden said. A large propeller, somewhat similar to that of a helicopter, was used to suck, this warm air from above and spread it over the surface, displacing the cold air by suction, from above. About three kilowatts of power was involved, and the area treated was about five acres. This method had met with some success in Australia. Dr Marsden added that in conjunction with the horticultural division of the Department of Agriculture, it was hoped to try the method in New Zealand.
|
|
|
Post by camtech on Sept 26, 2021 21:59:48 GMT 12
Some years back, I worked for a company that designed and sold frost detection devices for the horticultural industry. They used a variety of methods to shift the air. Some used helicopters (cost effective apparently), large fans driven by generators, steam powered heaters, etc. Our system used a detector attached to a cell phone that was activated when conditions reached preset limits. We also sold units built into a cyclists red flashing tail light, that were placed strategically around the orchard with their trigger set so the orchardist knew when the temperature dropped below the frost level and de-activated when the temperature reached a safe level. Very simple devices, very cost effective, easily located around the orchard. We also developed and sold world-wide pressure operated walking track counters, horse trail counters, traffic counters and other ingenious agricultural instruments. Kiwis are very inventive.
|
|
|
Post by Bruce on Sept 28, 2021 10:08:50 GMT 12
This is a postwar development involving Dr. E. Marsden but I have to wonder, why is this method not employed now rather than using expensive helicopters. Perhaps run with electric motors and solar power, this could be a lot cheaper than several choppers over you field each frosty morning? Maybe they could generate their own power too. EVENING STAR, 31 DECEMBER 1946 A method of controlling frost damage which gives promise of success was mentioned by Dr E. Marsden, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in an interview yesterday. It depended, he said, on the normal occurrence of temperature inversion in frosting condition. The air above the trees on a normal frosty night was warmer than the air at the surface, Dr, Marsden said. A large propeller, somewhat similar to that of a helicopter, was used to suck, this warm air from above and spread it over the surface, displacing the cold air by suction, from above. About three kilowatts of power was involved, and the area treated was about five acres. This method had met with some success in Australia. Dr Marsden added that in conjunction with the horticultural division of the Department of Agriculture, it was hoped to try the method in New Zealand. its is - there are thousands of wind machines all over the place popping up out of orchards and vineyards. very effective - but they can also be quite noisy in some areas.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 28, 2021 10:09:58 GMT 12
Okay, good to know.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 8, 2021 10:41:54 GMT 12
N.Z. INVENTORS HAD MANY IDEAS DURING THE WAR
WIDE VARIETY OF SCHEMES
Steady Stream To War Inventions Board
Ranging from plans for freezing the Channel on D-day to new designs for the smallest bullet, the schemes of New Zealand inventors during the war years flowed in a steady stream to the War Inventions Board.
Some, like a new flame-thrower fuel, were employed with conspicuous success against the enemy, but many had in the meantime been secretly developed independently overseas.
Drawings, descriptions and models, some crude and some elaborate, bore testimony to the vision and originality of many of the inventors.
Naval ideas have range’s from anti-torpedo devices down to seasickness cures. An enormous amount of work was submitted by Air Force men, including different types of aircraft—some of them of markedly unconventional design,—and a great assortment of bombs of all kinds. Everyone seemed to be interested in the air.
Military inventions included the smallest bullet and the largest tanks, booby-traps, gunsights, signalling equipment, and a thousand and one other items. Besides being considered by the board, all inventions were forwarded to the particular branch of the services to which they were most suited for comment and criticism. There was close co-operation between Australia and New Zealand and a free exchange of ideas between the two countries.
Aircraft Direction One Air Force officer sent in a particularly creditable light sensitive director by means of which, utilising infra-red rays, aircraft could be directed in fog in the final stages of landing. Although when it was sent overseas it was discovered work had proceeded further there, the device was deservedly highly commended.
Some ideas, although bettered overseas, were used widely in New Zealand, which during the critical period of the war was very short of equipment. Home Guardsman all recall the Charlton gun and the assortment of novel but quite efficient mortars with which they were prepared to have a crack at repelling the Jap.
One very successful device was a grapnel, shot from a mortar, and carrying a rope. This could be used for crossing valleys in rugged country, and could also be used for passing charges through barbed wire prior to blowing it up.
Plans of one sub-machine-gun which were forwarded overseas created considerable interest, but were not accepted at the time because of the development of the Sten. The inventor then got busy and revised his plans, which were re-submitted.
One of the most successful inventions was a flame-thrower fuel, evolved by an Auckland inventor. This fuel, a jelly-like substance, had many advantages over the best then in use, and was eventually adopted by the Americans and used extensively by them in clearing out the Japanese in a number of gruelling struggles in the Pacific.
Training Air Crews A navigational apparatus invented by an Air Force officer was used widely in New Zealand for the training of air-crew, and a radio-controlled target motor-boat was also adopted for use in this country. With sincere enthusiasm, some people sent in accounts of their dreams of future warfare, hoping that therein might be the germ of an idea.
One well-meaning correspondent enclosed recipes for fruit vines and scones which might be welcomed by the troops.
One claw-type tank-trap was so fearsome and effective that the prospect of running a tank while testing it was looked at somewhat askance. This device, though excellent, was not adapted because existing methods were being used successfully.
The advent of the flying bomb produced a flood of ideas, many of them impracticable, because at the time the inventors had but a hazy idea - of the performance of the pilotless projectile. One suggestion was the fitting of unmanned machine-guns on the tops of barrage balloons, but unfortunately the unmanned guns could not distinguish between friend and foe.
Another inventor proposed to help the D-day invasion by pouring a special chemical into the Channel waters, he said, would then freeze, and troops and equipment could pour across the ice.
In order to cool tents in the desert a device was forwarded which boiled down to water being sprayed over the tent from a hose. A good thought, but it didn’t take into account the water shortage.
Another man thought it would be a good idea to drop pill-boxes by parachute during an advance. Also a good idea, but the size of the parachute required and the limitations of existing planes as regards weight-lifting were the drawbacks.
Another suggestion was that a tube should be sent up to the surface from a submerged submarine, the idea being that an observer should be at the top and keep a watch on what was doing on the surface. If anything came along he could stride down the tube, give a warning, the tube could be withdrawn, and the submarine softly steal away.
Many of the more bizarre ideas had more than a grain of vision and common sense in them, and, indeed, some of the weapons used late in the war would have been regarded as flights of fancy a few years ago. The enthusiasm and sincerity of the inventors were undoubted, as was, in the main, their desire to help their country. Although it was disheartening for many to discover, after perhaps months of work, that their ideas had been bettered in secret elsewhere, they showed that, working independently, the designers and thinkers of New Zealand were capable of producing ideas and gadgets some of which were outstanding in their own particular field.
Schoolboys and scientists, military men and mechanics, and hundreds of others in all walks of life submitted altogether about 2000 ideas. Of these, the majority have been practicable, but unfortunately about 80 per cent, have had to be classed as “not novel.”
Generally speaking, it was felt that during time of war any civilian who had suggestions of improvement to existing weapons or the development of new ones should, in fairness to himself and his country, submit them to the board without laying too much stress on monetary gain. In many cases, however, elaborate models were constructed by the inventors, and they were reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses to some degree, authority being given to the board to make ex gratia payments of up to £20 in cases where a good job had been done, whether or not tho idea was accepted. Patent rights were in all cases protected. A world-wide Royal Commission is to sit later to decide what royalties will be paid to patentees of accepted inventions, based on their degree of usefulness to the war effort.
PUTARURU PRESS, 24 APRIL 1946
|
|
|
Post by hairy on Oct 8, 2021 20:17:55 GMT 12
I have recently found that out New Zealand's contribution to the development of radar during WW2 was quite extensive and under-acknowledged. I came across an interesting article on Naval History.net written in 2007 by Geoffrey B Mason, Lieutenant Commander, RN (Rtd) that shows in several areas NZ was at the forefront of radar development. I will post a link to the article below, but for those who don't want to read the whole thing, this is his conclusion; Full article link -> www.naval-history.net/xGM-Tech-NZRadar.htm
|
|
|
Post by ErrolC on Nov 26, 2021 6:08:03 GMT 12
EXPRESSION OF THANKS
GESTURE OF RADAR RESEARCH PERSONNEL
FIELD DAY TO BE HELD FOR PUBLIC Thanks to the people of the Ashburton County and Borough for their hospitality to, and co-operation with all members of the Department of Scientific Research engaged in radar investigations in the County were expressed yesterday afternoon by Mr R. S. Unwin (chief scientific officer) when representatives of local bodies and organisations were entertained at afternoon tea at the Ashburton airport.... ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, 21 NOVEMBER 1946 Mr Unwin is mentioned in this presentation on SW Pacific electronic warfare. Photo of NZ scientists in the Pacific towards the end of this one
|
|