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The initiative that prompted me to write this book occurred when I was sitting on a committee at the Institution of Civil Engineers that was tasked with proposing the names of a small number of eminent engineers whose names might be added to those already inscribed on the walls of the Institution’s headquarters building in Westminster. Among the names considered was former Institution member R. J. Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire fighter that played such a vital role in ensuring victory in the Battle of Britain. Although he was not chosen, I went on to appreciate that were it not for him and a few other scientists and engineers who made similar contributions before and during the war, we would not have enjoyed the liberties and lifestyles that we have had the good fortune to share for more than 60 years.

With Britain, America, Russia, and China all suffering defeats in the first years of the Second World War, the foundations for their later victories were laid by Britain, firstly, when she fought alone and won the Battle of Britain in 1940 and, secondly, by not losing the Battle of the Atlantic during the first two years of the war.

Although Britain and the Commonwealth were joined by Russia and the United States in 1941, the outcome of the war remained in the balance until 1942–43 when the Allies achieved success in a number of key battles, each of which turned the tide in their respective theatres, thereby leading to the final victory. In each of these key battles new technology played a decisive role.

Remarkable features of the war, especially when viewed from today’s perspective, are the magnitude of many of the projects, the general tempo of the war, and the speed at which decisions were made, research and investigations undertaken, and machines and structures constructed.

Much has already been written by various people more knowledgeable than I about the inventions that were crucial to success in the vital battles of the Second World War. This book brings together and summarises such accounts and, set against the various battles and campaigns, gives an overview of the principal technical developments that influenced the course of the war. There are also biographical notes about some of the scientists and engineers whose achievements are described.

Scientists and engineers of all the combatant nations displayed remarkable ingenuity and invented and manufactured some exceptional machines and weapons. While the book mostly describes British achievements and individuals, some of those of her Allies are also described. In addition there is brief mention of some the significant German inventions that were made in extremely difficult circumstances.

While scientists undertake basic research and conceive new concepts it is engineers who convert such innovations into practical applications. Engineers and craftsmen are also the persons who fought in such large numbers in the technical branches of the armed services. For these reasons, I have used the term ‘engineer’ to embrace all the scientists, engineers, craftsmen, and other technologists mentioned in this book.

The book also gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to some of the major influences on my life and career, namely my school and university, the Royal Navy, and the wider engineering profession. I owe a great deal to each of them for having made it possible for me to follow the vastly interesting and varied career that it has been my privilege to have enjoyed.

Winston Churchill famously paid tribute to the fighter pilots who won the Battle of Britain when he said: ‘Never was so much owed by so many to so few’. The small number of scientists, engineers and other technologists who made war-winning inventions and developments also deserve recognition; they are the real heroes of this book.

A very much shortened version of the book was presented to the Institution of Civil Engineers in July 2015 as their Smeaton Lecture for that year and can be viewed at ice.org.uk/Smeaton 2015.

Gwilym Roberts

Newick, East Sussex

2018