The papers includes research notes articles and pamphlets on many subjects including compasses and navigation. Of interest are his service certificates and career record between 1912-1953, including his training at Dartmouth and Osborne colleges (MAA/77).

Administrative / biographical background
Commander William Edward May (1899 - 1989) was a leading authority on the history and use of the compass. He was a founder member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and one of its first fellows. He joined the Royal Navy in 1912, being second in command of one of the gun turrets of HMS TEMERAIRE at the battle of Jutland. In 1923, he qualified as a navigating officer. He left the active list of the Royal Navy in 1927 and thereafter was engaged in various duties concerning compasses. During the latter part of World War II he was responsible for all repairs to gyrocompasses throughout the Royal Navy. In 1951 Commander May was appointed Deputy Director of the National Maritime Museum and held the post until his retirement in 1968.