The Admiralty Mining Establishment originally known as the Mine Design Department was a technical department of the British Royal Navy responsible for both the design of naval mines and the development of suitable countermeasures from 1915 to 1951 History A mining department was originally established at the Admiralty in 1915, in 1919 the name was changed to the Mine Design Department (MDD) based at HMS Vernon in Portsmouth. In 1946, after being dispersed to various places during the war, in keeping with many technical departments it employed both military and highly skilled, civilian personnel. It was partly located near HMNB Portsmouth at West Leigh House, Havant as the Admiralty Mining Establishment (AME). In 1951, its role changed significantly as it was merged into a new larger department called the Underwater Counter measures and Weapon Establishment (UCWE). The UCWE was itself merged into the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, Portland in 1959. Notable personnel During the Second World War it recruited a number of scientists to its ranks many of them went on to become highly regarded in their respective fields including; David Bates Robert Boyd Francis Crick, Tom Gaskell John Gunn Harrie Massey Nevill Mott. Timeline Board of Admiralty, Admiralty, Mining Department, 1915-1919. Board of Admiralty, Admiralty Mine Design Department, 1919-1951. Board of Admiralty, Underwater Counter measures and Weapon Establishment, 1951-1959. Board of Admiralty, Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, 1959-1964. Ministry of Defence, Navy Department, Underwater Weapons Establishment, Portland, 1964-1984. See also HMS Vernon (shore establishment) References Further reading John Frayn Turner 'Service Most Silent' (book) External links UK National Archives leaflet on Royal Navy research and development Wartime use of Leigh Park House History of HMS Vernon Admiralty departments Mine warfare and mine clearance organizations Admiralty during World War I Admiralty during World War II 1915 establishments in the United Kingdom 1951 disestablishments in the United Kingdom