T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 652

Hythe. Saturday 12 March. Dear Flight Lieutenant H.rrington We posted on Friday a copy of Mr. Barker's production-date list; but I have not been able to get a photograph of a dinghy well. None exists. One was ordered to be taken today, and I hope to get a print of it on Monday. Mr. Soots-Paine wanted me to take, instead, a print of his 19.8 dinghy with inverted clincher, bottom; but I told him it must be an R.A.F. dinghy. Soe's claim to a patent does not worry me. Inverted clincher has been common racing practice since the war. I believe Soe has sued S.P. on the point, but the case is not yet set down for hearing. As for 200 boats: on Friday we tested 204, 206 and 207. Not bad boats: minor adjustments needed. The fixing for the indiarubber fend-off's not strong enough: etc. To-day we did 206 again, 209, 209 and 210. One bust its distributor (210: but it is replaced already and doing well). All the Hyland controls want finer adjustment. They will do for the Admiralty tests; but we must have them put in order before our acceptance. I have told Mr. Barker that Leonard must get them all like 202 before we let any proper crews-in handle them. Otherwise there will be accidents. So now we have five boats ready for the Admiralty trials. That 483