Imperial Munitions Board

The Imperial Munitions Board was established in Canada in November 1915 by the British Ministry of Munitions.

The Imperial Munitions Board was directed to assist Canadian industry in producing munitions for the British war effort in the First World War. The Imperial Munitions Board was authorized to enter into contracts with Canadian firms for the production, purchase or acquisition of munitions and supplies for the British military.

The British Ministry of Munitions chose Canadian business leader Joseph Wesley Flavelle as head of the Imperial Munitions Board.

Robert Butchart served under Joseph Flavelle as Director of Wooden Shipbuilding for the Imperial Munitions Board. As Director of Wooden Shipbuilding, Robert Butchart maintained an office on the 3rd floor of the Belmont Building in downtown Victoria.

Sir Joseph Flavelle (1858-1939) was the head of the Imperial Munitions Board during the First World War. Robert Butchart served under him as Director of Wooden Shipbuilding. (Author's collection)
Sir Joseph Flavelle (1858-1939) was the head of the Imperial Munitions Board during the First World War. Robert Butchart served under him as Director of Wooden Shipbuilding. (Author’s collection)

Here are some pages with more information on the Imperial Munitions Board:

Following the end of the First World War in November 1918, the Imperial Munitions Board was dissolved in 1919.

As Director of Wooden Shipbuilding for the Imperial Munitions Board, Robert Butchart maintained offices on the third floor of the Belmont Building in downtown Victoria.

The Belmont Building. 600-620 Humbolt Street / 801-807 Government Street, in downtown Victoria. Robert Butchart and the B.C. Cement Company maintained corporate offices on the third floor of the Belmont Building between 1919 -1943. (photo by Author)
The Belmont Building. 600-620 Humbolt Street / 801-807 Government Street, in downtown Victoria. Robert Butchart and the B.C. Cement Company maintained corporate offices on the third floor of the Belmont Building between 1919 -1943. (photo by Author)

Here is a photo of the War Tango, the 27th of the Standard Wooden Steamers built for the Imperial Munitions Board in B.C. shipyards under the direction of Robert Butchart, as Director of Wooden Shipbuilding, and his Assistant Director of Wooden Shipbuilding, Captain James W. Troup.

Diagram and photo of the War Tango, the 27th of the Standard Wooden Steamers built in British Columbia shipyards for the Imperial Munitions Board between 1917 and 1919. Robert Butchart, as Director of Wooden Shipbuilding, was in charge of this shipbuilding program. (BC Archives photo)
Diagram and photo of the War Tango, the 27th of the Standard Wooden Steamers built in British Columbia shipyards for the Imperial Munitions Board between 1917 and 1919. Robert Butchart, as Director of Wooden Shipbuilding, was in charge of this shipbuilding program. (BC Archives photo)

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