Home Site Map Source Page

The Ministry of Aircraft Production

It would appear that Leslie Knight was offered a job with the Ministry of Aircraft Production in April 1942 but whether he took it is unknown. If he did he never spoke of it and he was definitely well established at Tempsford by the Autumn of that year.


	MINISTRY OF AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION MILLBANK S.W.1. 10th April, 1942. Sir, With reference to your recent interview, I am directed to enclose an offer of appointment as Draughtsman under this Ministry at the Telecommunications Research Establishment. It must be clearly understood that this offer is made subject to the Air Ministry agreeing to your demobilisation and posting to the Reserve. Whilst serving at the Telecommunications Research Establishment married men will be eligible to receive a lodging allowance on an out of pocket basis within a maximum of 38/6d a week so long as they necessarily maintain two homes and remain separated from their families. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, 1241063 A.C.1. Knight, L.R. 138 Squadron, R.A.F. Tempsford, Nr. Bedford.

	MINISTRY OF AIRCRAFT PRODUCTION MILLBANK S.W.1. 10th April, 1942. Sir, I am directed to offer you, a temporary appointment as Draughtsman II on the following conditions:- (a) You will be liable for service at any ministry of Aircraft Production establishment or staion wheever the needs of the Service may require. (b) The appointment will be subject to termination by one week’s notice on either side. (c) The appointment will be non-pensionable. (d) The appointment will carry a fixed salary of 85/- (Eight five Shillings) a week, plus a war bonus which at present amounts to 10/- (Ten Shillings) a week. The bonus is subject to modification at any time. (e) In the event of your originating, working out or perfecting any invention during the period of your employment you will, if so ordered, assign to the government all your rights in respect of such invention or enter into such agreement for its use as you may be directed to do so by the Government and you will not, without permission of the Government, part with any of your rights to such invention during the period of your employment. (f) No additional allowance will be payable in the event of your being required to go into the air in connection with your duties. (g) The duties of the appointment may involve early or late attendances and Sunday duty, and, if necessary, the whole of your time must be at the disposal of the Department. (h) The appointment will be subject to the regulations in force governing the employment of civilian staff under the Department as laid down in “Office Instructions” and Air Publication 826 and subject to any additions and amendments thereto as the Department may at any time direct. 2. I am to request that you will notify me, on the enclosed form at the earliest possible date whether you desire to accept the appointment on these conditions. 3. Any expense incurred in taking up the appointment cannot be borne by this Department. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant. P.S. In addition to salary, you will be eligible to receive payment for hours worked in excess of 44 gross a week. Overtime is paid at the rate of time and a quarter for the first 10 hours a week and time and a half thereafter. The Dept in which it is proposed to employ you is at present working 51 hours weekly, and on this basis your total earnings would approximate to 113/- a week.

Top