early british drill mine

[kiwieod]

I have this very early ww2 wooden drill mine.made from hardwood and hand stamped DRILL A.T 2ND PATT MK11 RCD 1940.185mm (7 1/4)dia,80mm (3 1/4)high
I wonder how many patterns and marks there were?

 

[TimG]

RCD - Royal Carriage Department, Woolwich.
WDC = Wolverhampton Diecasting Co., Ltd.

TimG

 

[kiwieod]

thanks for description of makers.i expect RCD made lots of other drill rounds and other items from wood.would that have been a department of royal laboratories at woolwich?

 

[Bonnex]

The RCD was originally on a par with RL. The other manufacturing organisation at Woolwich was the Royal Gun Factory (RGF). Other Woolwich residents included the Research Department (RD), Ordnance Board etc. Reorganisations, particularly after the two World Wars, changed the names but the functions continued.

I think in 1940 (and since about 1921) the Royal Carriage Department drawing office was formally Design Department (Carriages). They may of course have kept their old 'monogram' with the blessing of those who manage the marking system. I will see if I can find a short history of the 'Royal Arsenal' factories and development units and summarise it (unless someone has already done it).