Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- Created 1915-1947 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
7 boxes
Context area
Name of creator
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.
Archival history
Created and accumulated by Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine during the course of business.
GB 0098 GW, GX Created 1915-1947 Series of Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine records 7 boxes 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.
Created and accumulated by Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine during the course of business.
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).
The records are arranged in sections as outlined in the scope and content.
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.
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.
English
A catalogue is available at the College Archives.
Compiled by Julie Tancell as part of the RSLP AIM25 project. General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997. October 2000 Berkshire Buckinghamshire Camborne Civil defence Cornwall Defence Edinburgh England Europe Home Guard Imperial College of Science and Technology International conflicts International relations Midlothian Ministry of Munitions Scotland Slough State security UK War Western Europe World War One (1914-1918) World wars (events) World War Two (1939-1945) Wars (events) London
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
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).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
The records are arranged in sections as outlined in the scope and content.
Conditions of access and use area
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.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
- Latin
Language and script notes
English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
A catalogue is available at the College Archives.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Publication note
Notes area
Note
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English