MAKING WAR TANKS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20133, 30 December 1939, Page 5

MAKING WAR TANKS

BRITAIN’S GREAT EFFORT HIGH SPEED PRODUCTION LONDON, Dec. 20. A picture of fast tanks flowing in an ever-swelling stream from Britain’s new war plants is supplied by a special correspondent privileged to view the process. At one such plant (he writes), I saw high-speed cruiser-tanks on • the drawing boards and then traced their assembly from G2OO parts to the complete tanks on the demonstration ground. There they raced over the ground, pivoted about in their own length, throwing up a veil of mud and dust, and climbed over obstacles without effort. Through the courtesy of the Ministry of Supply I inspected the vast organisation manufacturing tanks and machine-gun carriers. Journalists from Italy, Japan, Holland and Belgium expressed astonishment at the concentrated effort and the enormous output. Example of United Effort One highly-placed official declared it was merely one example of the Empire's war effort, as Australia and Canada had joined the common cause and were achieving a like effort. My glimpse behind the scenes revealed a translation of earnest words into hard facts, because tanks from this factory are already in service, while the daily production figures are mounting tremendously. I was also privileged to examine a rear by factory in which Britain’s newest bullet-proof pneumatic tyre is being produced in thousands. The process of manufacture is a closelyguarded secret, I was alongside a noted Bisley marksman when he fired two bullets into a tyre from 10ft. They tore holes in both sides, but the vehicle drove away unhindered. Another lorry, with all of its tyres holed by bullets, arrived from a 15-mile tour with the tyres only slightly deflated. Theie Midland centres are heavily guarded. Two gun-crews on all sandbagged towers maintain a ceaseless watch. This particular factory is ringed by a balloon barrage. As I joined the train for London a patrol of British fighters crossed a sky stained with the smoke .of 1000 chimneys, showing that Britain s watch on her vital centres is strong and constant.