Admiralty Gunnery Establishment facts for kids
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1931 |
| Preceding Department | |
| Dissolved | 1959 |
| Superseding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Government of the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Haslemere, England |
| Department executive |
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| Parent Department | Admiralty |
The Admiralty Gunnery Establishment (AGE) was a special research department in the United Kingdom. It was part of the Admiralty, which was in charge of the Royal Navy. The AGE's main job was to develop and improve systems for controlling gunfire for both the Navy and the Army. It operated from 1931 until 1959.
How It Started
The Admiralty Gunnery Establishment, or AGE, began in 1931. It was first known as the Fire Control Group. This group was part of the Admiralty Research Laboratory (ARL) located in Teddington, Middlesex, England.
In the Navy, "fire control" means how you aim and shoot big guns accurately. It's about making sure the shells hit their target.
Becoming a Separate Department
The Fire Control Group became its own separate department in 1943. It was then called the Admiralty Gunnery Establishment (AGE). It was overseen by the Director of Naval Ordnance. The AGE took on the important task of handling all "fire control" work for both the Navy and the Army.
Moving Locations
The AGE stayed in Teddington for many years. In 1954, it moved to a new site on Portland Bill. This new location had modern buildings and special test areas.
The End of AGE
In 1959, the Admiralty Gunnery Establishment closed down. Most of its work and staff joined with another group. This group was the Admiralty Signals and Radar Establishment (ASRE). Together, they formed a new department called the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE). The ASWE was located at Portsdown Hill.
Any remaining tasks from the AGE were moved to another place. This was the Armament Research and Development (ARDE). It was based at Fort Halstead in the North Downs.
The AGE was managed by a person called the Superintendent Admiralty Gunnery Establishment.
Timeline
- Admiralty Research Laboratory, Fire Control Group (1931–1943)
- Admiralty Gunnery Establishment (1943–1959)
- Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment (ASWE), Portsdown, Portsmouth (1959–1984)
