SECERT

100 Octane Fuel – Issue of.

Sir,

With reference to your letter No.
F.C. 15447/76/E.Q.2., dated 7th instant, I am
directed to confirm that 100 octane fuel is approved
for use in Hurricane, Spitfire and Defiant aircraft,
and state that issue will be made as soon as the fuel
is available in bulk at the distribution depots
serving the Fighter Stations concerned. Issue of
this fuel to certain units in the Bomber Command will,
however, take precedence over the units equipped
with the above mentioned types of aeroplanes.

It will be appreciated that from an operational
point of view it is essential that supplies in bulk at
distribution depots should be available before general
use commences and that it is not possible to state a
day on which 100 octane fuel will come into use in all
the approved stations. The date on which the fuel may
be brought into use depends upon the rapidity with which
(a) supplies in bulk can be put down at distribution
points, and (b) bulk storage could be made available at
the relevant stations.

In regard to (a) above the Petroleum Board
have been instructed that storage in bulk at certain
distribution points is to be arranged with the least
possible delay and tanks at these points are being
“run down” to provide the necessary accommodation.

The point a (b) in para 2. has been a matter of
some concern. You will readily understand that to
transfer the considerable quantities of other fuels which
would be surplus to requirements is 100 octane fuel were
to be brought into use immediately, is both uneconomic
and undesirable.

It is proposed, therefore, that storage space
for 100 octane fuel at stations shall be made available
by the consumption of the D.T.D. 230 fuel already in stock.
When a tank in the installation becomes empty, it is to be
re-filled with 100 octane fuel. This process is to be repeated
until all the accommodation allotted to 100 octane fuel at
a station has been filled. When this has been done, the
use of this fuel in aeroplanes for which it is approved
should commence. The question of the issue of 100 octane
fuel to non-operational stations for visiting aircraft will
be considered later. May it be stated what quantity or
quantities are considered to be necessary for this purpose.

I am to state, for you information, that the 100 octane fuel is
“coloured noticeable green”.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

G.H. Lines

Director of Equipment

The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief
Headquarters,
Fighter Command,
Royal Air Force,
Stanmore, Middlesex.