Abstract
DR. GODFREY ROTTER has recently retired from the post of director of explosives research, Woolwich, after about forty years in Government service. Having graduated from the University College of North Wales, Bangor, he entered the then Experimental Establishment of the War Office in 1903 ; for the last twenty-one years he has been the head of the Directorate of Explosives Research. Before the War of 1914-18 he had proved his capacity for design, and he received an award for his part in the design of the 106 Fuze, of which nearly a hundred million were made. As a chemist, he showed his skill in devising apparatus for the study of the properties of explosives, of which that for the determination of their sensitiveness is the standard instrument to-day. During 1914-18 he took his full part in the invention and development of new high explosives and propellants, so that when Sir Robert Robertson left in 1921 he succeeded him as director. Of his achievements during the last twenty years it is impossible at this time to speak, but it may be said that he has been associated with notable advances. Of an engaging disposition, and giving an example of an extraordinary capacity for hard work, in an endeavour to keep abreast of ever-increasing activities, he retained the affection and respect of all his staff. He is succeeded by Prof. S. Sugden, of University College, London, who was a member of the Department during the War of 1914-18.
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Dr. Godfrey Rotter, C.B., C.B.E. Nature 151, 191 (1943). https://doi.org/10.1038/151191b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/151191b0