Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine

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.