IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0098 GW, GX
Held at: Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
Title: World War One and Two related records
Date(s): Created 1915-1947
Level of description: Series of Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine records
Extent: 7 boxes
Name of creator(s): Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
During the First World War the Chemistry Department manufactured synthetic substances used in medicine, and College staff conducted research into gas warfare, glass-making and minesweepers. The Physics Department investigated medical x-rays and wireless telegraphy for the Admiralty, as did the Engineering laboratories, which made aircraft parts, gauges and fuses. Soldiers were also billeted in the College buildings.
During the Second World War, the Department of Metallurgy was temporarily transferred to Swansea, Mining to Camborne and Biology to the College Field Station at Slough. Plans to transfer other departments to Edinburgh were not carried out. The military occupied several buildings, including the field station, which was requistioned by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1940 and retained by them after the war. A Home Guard company was formed in 1941. College staff contributed to the war effort, notably in the fields of radar, nuclear physics, transport fuel and pesticides and operational research.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of Imperial College relating to the First and Second World Wars, 1915-1947, notably correspondence with the Ministry of Munitions, 1915-1924, including the Chemical Warfare department, 1918-1924 (GW);
papers relating to the Second World War, notably the War emergency sub-committee, minutes and correspondence, 1938-1942; papers relating to college staff and national service, 1938-1945; release of staff from government departments, 1944-1947; alien staff and students, 1937-1943; release of internees, 1940-1941; transfer of students to Edinburgh, Slough and Camborne, 1938-1940; Workshops Organisation Committee minutes and correspondence, 1940-1945; papers relating to the Home Guard and civil defence, 1941-1944; papers of the College Maintenance Party, 1939-1945, including Advisory Committee, 1941-1943; military occupation of the college, 1939-1943 (GX).
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
The records are arranged in sections as outlined in the scope and content.
Conditions governing access:
Researchers wishing to consult the Archives should first contact the College Archivist, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, for an appointment.
Conditions governing reproduction:
A photocopying service is available at the discretion of the Archivist. Photocopies are supplied for research use only. Requests to publish original material should be submitted to the Archivist.
Physical characteristics:
Finding aids:
A catalogue is available at the College Archives.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:
Accruals:
Archival history:
Created and accumulated by Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine during the course of business.
Immediate source of acquisition:
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of originals:
Existence and location of copies:
Related material:
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Note:
Archivist's note: Compiled by Julie Tancell as part of the RSLP AIM25 project.
Date(s) of descriptions: October 2000