YOUNG INVENTOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 306, 28 December 1939, Page 5

YOUNG INVENTOR.

BRITISH SCHOOLBOY.

A NEW AERIAL BOMB.

EXPERT'S FAVOURABLE VIEW! «

(By Air Mail.)

LONDON", December 9.

Described as a potential mechanical genius, a British schoolboy has invented an aerial bomb which has been considered sufficiently good to be examined by the Ministry of Supply. John Clough, aged 13, of Utley, Yorkshire, is the juvenile inventor, and an expert of the Ministry of Supply who inspected the plans of the bomb says that John has a "first-class idea." With two school friends—Gordon Pask, aged 12, and David Anderson, 13 —John has spent eight months working out the plans, which have now passed a preliminary inspection by research experts. John; who. goes to Rydal junior school, Colwyn Bay, where he is described by the master as a mechanical genius, said:' "I got the idea for the bomb during the summer holidays, and I worked out the details while I was ill sick bay with a chill at school this term." "Pask is good at chemistry, and he suggested what chemicals were wanted. Anderson helped to work out how to release the bomb. This is the first time j I have thought about bombs. Previously I have been more interested in building model railway engines." The bursar of Rydal School, Mr. J. Knowles, said: "Clough is always bringing me new ideas in engines and other things. We believe he will prove to be a mechanical genius." And one of the Ministry experts who examined the plans said: "The boys have got a first-class idea. The plans are beautifully executed, and they must have put in many hours on the work."