Ministry of Munitions Department of Explosives Supply: Preliminary Studies for HM Factory, Gretna, and Study for an Installation of Phosgene Manufacture

Abstract

DURING the war an enormous amount of work was done by the Department of Explosives Supply in the design of chemical plant, processes, and works, and in the construction, organisation, and control of the numerous national and other factories dealing with the manufacture of explosives and closely related substances. Lord Moulton, who was Director-General of Explosives Supply, and whose magnificent work in the cause, of Great Britain and the Allies cannot be overestimated, was fortunate in having associated with him a devoted band of men of exceptional ability and knowledge. Pre-eminent amongst these on the technical and scientific side was Mr. Kenneth B. Quinan, who was responsible for the design, construction, and organisation of the works controlled by the Factories Branch. Where all worked so splendidly, it might seem invidious to single out one name. But the writer well knows that amongst the hundreds, or indeed thousands, of men who fought the war behind the front so splendidly in the Department of Explosives Supply there is not one who did not look up to “K. B. Q.” as the great inspirer and organiser, or who failed to realise what the nation owed to his genius, personality, and indefatigable labour.

Ministry of Munitions. Department of Explosives Supply: Preliminary Studies for H.M. Factory, Gretna, and Study for an Installation of Phosgene Manufacture.

Pp. xvi + 145. (London: H.M.S.O., n.d.) Price 15s. net.