The War Office had the best brains amongst the civilian ports and engineering industries to call upon if they were needed. This register contains a wealth of eminent names, many at the top of their professions while others would become famous for their work after the war. Also here is a copy of the contract conditions under which these civilian experts could be engaged. The list is, perhaps, also instructive in those civilians it does not include.
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Register of Engineers & Transport Executives Available to Advise the War Dept