Department of Munitions
11 June 1940 – 6 April 1948
Wartime Department of State that directed the production of weapons, ammunition and explosives in government factories and in annexes run by private industry, and after 1946 also aircraft production.
How it came into existence
Established on 11 June 1940 by Administrative Arrangements Order, taking munitions production and the government munitions factories from the Department of Supply and Development and superseding the Munitions Supply Board. Essington Lewis of BHP was Director-General of Munitions.
- Munitions production
- Government munitions factories
Changes during its life
- Control of the government munitions factories
- Munitions Supply Laboratories
- Aircraft and aero-engine production
- Government aircraft factories
- Aircraft production
The research notes describe aircraft production as coming from both the supply and the munitions departments; the exact division is not confirmed.
- Munitions filling
- Ordnance manufacture at Bendigo
- Propellant and explosives manufacture
- Long-range weapons research and trials support
Administration by the Department of Munitions at formation is from memory and not verified.
How it ended
Abolished on 6 April 1948, when it was combined with the supply, disposals and mineral resources functions of the Department of Supply and Shipping to form the Department of Supply and Development (1948).
- Munitions and aircraft production
- Government factories
- Long-range weapons project
Main functions
- Production of weapons, ammunition and explosives
- Government munitions factories and laboratories
- Munitions annexes in private industry
- Machine tools and gauges for munitions production
- Aircraft production and the government aircraft factories (from November 1946)
- Long-range weapons project (from 1946)
Bodies in this portfolio (1)
- Munitions Supply Laboratories 1922–1948
Lineage
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Sources
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.