12 



Dahlgren 



In 1923, a civilian physicist was assigned to the Experimental Department 

 with primary duties of analyzing experimental testing. The technical staff of 

 the Experimental Department consisted of the Experimental Officer and Chief 

 Physicist until 1 935, when other professional personnel were added to assist the 

 Chief Physicist. ^^ 



Dr. L. T. E. Thompson of Kalamazoo College, Michigan, was selected as the 

 first Chief Physicist at the Proving Ground. His work in the Experimental 

 Department laid the foundation for the military-civilian relation that was to 

 precede Dahlgren's contributions to R&D in future Navy and other 

 laboratories. 



The Administration Building nears completion, May 1920. 



Bombproof building at the Main Battery, October 1921. 



