| Top Secret: British Boffins in World War One Contributor(s): Rogers, David (Author) |
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ISBN: 1909384216 ISBN-13: 9781909384217 Publisher: Helion & Company OUR PRICE: $53.96 Product Type: Paperback Published: September 2013 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Military - World War I |
| Dewey: 940.3 |
| Physical Information: 0.8" H x 6.1" W x 9.1" (1.01 lbs) 224 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - 1900-1919 |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The early years of the 20th Century saw many advances in technology, for example airplanes were taking to the skies and wireless telegraphy becoming more available. There were also new war machines such as submarines and tanks. Additionally, pharmaceutical drugs and photographic components previously supplied from German manufacturers were no longer available during the Great War of 1914-18. Responding to some of the technical challenges, the Council of the Royal Society formed a War Committee, which in turn commissioned sub-committees concerned with chemistry, physics and engineering. Later, sub-committees relating to food, grain pests and the use of natural products were also initiated. For its part, the Government formed the Admiralty Board of Invention and Research, the Munitions Invention Department, the Chemical Advisory Committee and others. Fellows of the Royal Society were key to both the Royal Society and Government initiatives. But who were the Fellows and why should they be of such strategic importance? Fellowship of the Royal Society is restricted, and requires individuals to be at the peak of their chosen scientific professions. All Fellows are experts in their chosen fields, which not only includes the traditional sciences, but also engineering and medicine. They are individuals whose scientific acumen, knowledge and skills are vital to solving seemingly intractable problems. It is no wonder that their expertise, opinions and help were sought during the dark days of the Great War. Remarkably, the exploits of the Fellows during the war are relatively unknown. Drawing from previously unpublished documents from the Royal Society archives deemed 'Secret' at the time, and wartime documents from the National Archives classified during the Great War as 'Subject to the Official Secrets Act', Top Secret: British Boffins in WW1 brings a unique perspective on wartime inventions, research and developments from one of the darkest periods of 20th Century warfare. There are some remarkable examples of co-operation and effort often to tight deadlines using the utmost discretion. Some names may be familiar to you, some may not. All played their part, this is their story.... |
Contributor Bio(s): Rogers, David: - "Dave Rogers set up Danercon Ltd in 2004 - having previously worked for a multinational company for 23 years. During his industrial career, Dave spent time working in research and development and in the manufacturing division. His research experience involved product component research, product design and the implementation of process verification equipment. Dave's manufacturing experience covers the product issues of day-to-day manufacture and product design as part of a waste reduction effort, as well as leading a process research and development group of some 20 engineers and scientists. Dave holds a Bachelor and Doctorate Degree in Chemistry, and Fellowships with the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Royal Photographic Society and The British Institute of Professional Photography (the latter by invitation). He was Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster 2002-05. Dave is a long-term school governor - having recently completed 15 years as primary school governor. He has written or edited 13 books. Two are war-related, which he edited for his father; a third wartime book was co-written by Dave and his father. This is Dave's fifth book for Helion - having previously written Top Secret. British Boffins in World War One, Men Amidst the Madness - British Technology Development in World War Two, Destination D-Day - preparations for the invasion of North-West Europe 1944 and Rebuilding Britain The aftermath of World War Two." |