ABSTRACT
In the mid-thirties the prospect of war concentrated the government's mind on rearmament and it very quickly became clear that if Britain were to be involved in prolonged hostilities Coventry's industrial experience and expertise would be crucial to the country's military effort. The new factories were government financed and equipped, while the motor manufacturers were paid a fee for their services as managing agents. By the outbreak of the Second World War aircraft production from all the Shadow Factories was rising but remained well below the level needed to meet the needs of the Royal Air Force. Managing two Shadow Factories in addition to the Canley plant enabled Standard to diversify its manufacturing programme. By 1939 the company was already producing 100 De Haviland Gypsy Moth aircraft and 400 constant speed De Haviland Air Screw Devices a month and had secured a contract to supply 300 Oxford Trainer aeroplanes for the Royal Air Force.
