[Abraham D.] Yoffe, department of physical chemistry, Cambridge, to Sir Robert Robertson. Asks Sir Robert to give a reference in connection with an application for a Mackinnon studentship. With further letters from Yoffe, two letters from Dr [Frank] Ph...

• Reference:GB 254 MS 50/18/70
• Dates of Creation:12 December 1946.
• Name of Creator:
  Sir Robert Robertson

• Scope and Content

  [Abraham D.] Yoffe, department of physical chemistry, Cambridge, to Sir Robert Robertson. Asks Sir Robert to give a reference in connection with an application for a Mackinnon studentship. With further letters from Yoffe, two letters from Dr [Frank] Phillip Bowden, department of physical chemistry, Cambridge, to Sir Robert which concerns Yoffe's application, a testimonial for Yoffe by Bowden with a brief outline of his career and a testimonial by Sir Robert.
  [Copies].

• Administrative / Biographical History

  Sir Robert Robertson, explosives expert and government Chemist, was educated at Bell-Baxter School, Cupar and St. Andrews University, where he graduated in both Arts and Science. His first appointment was that of assistant in the laboratory of the city analyst in Glasgow obtaining the post of analyst in the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey. His work as Director of Explosives Research during the 1914-1918 War was recognised by the award of the KBE and in 1917 his election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. In 1921 he was appointed Chief Government Chemist, a post from which he retired in 1936. He spent his retirement in Laboratory work on the structure of the diamond until he was called to war work during the Second World War. Sir Robert Robertson received many honours during his lifetime, including one for extreme bravery whilst with the Royal Gunpowder factory, and he was awarded an LLD from St. Andrews University in 1923.

• Access Information

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• Note

  Sir Robert Robertson, explosives expert and government Chemist, was educated at Bell-Baxter School, Cupar and St. Andrews University, where he graduated in both Arts and Science. His first appointment was that of assistant in the laboratory of the city analyst in Glasgow obtaining the post of analyst in the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey. His work as Director of Explosives Research during the 1914-1918 War was recognised by the award of the KBE and in 1917 his election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. In 1921 he was appointed Chief Government Chemist, a post from which he retired in 1936. He spent his retirement in Laboratory work on the structure of the diamond until he was called to war work during the Second World War. Sir Robert Robertson received many honours during his lifetime, including one for extreme bravery whilst with the Royal Gunpowder factory, and he was awarded an LLD from St. Andrews University in 1923.

• Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

  Paper

• Archivist's Note

  Description compiled by Jennifer Johnstone, Assistant Archivist, October 2010

• Conditions Governing Use

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• Accruals

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• Additional Information

  Published