[Alexander] Maxwell, Home Office, to Sir Robert recommending Dr Watt in preference to Major Gaitskell for a post as Inspector of Explosives. Copy letter from General Bingham testifying to the work of Dr Watts enclosed.

• Reference:GB 254 MS 50/18/63/4
• Dates of Creation:26 April 1924
• Name of Creator:
  Sir Robert Robertson

• 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, December 2010

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• Accruals

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• Additional Information

  Published