Britain's Atomic Pile Helps In Battle Against Disease - The 'experimental' face of the pile at Harwell Station. The apparatus near the face includes a neutron spectrometer and a mechanical velocity selector. Other experimental equipment can be seen on top of the pile. Britain revealed that she may have Ships driven by atomic energy within less than ten years when, following a two-year-lapse, she unveiled a few more of her atom secrets in a press visit to the Atomic Research Station at Harewell, Berkshire. Sir John Cockcroft, Director of the Establishment, disclosed that Britain's scientists are studying the feasibility of using atomic energy to drive ships, including submarines. This, he estimated, may be possible in less than then years. June 23, 1950. (Photo by British Official Photograph).