Were the famously aggressive Vickers naval salesmen real or just a channel joke?
Short answerThey were real and highly trained, using sophisticated relationship-building and non-cash inducements to win contracts.
NotesVickers maintained a trained sales network whose work extended beyond quoting prices for weapons. Dr. Clarke describes theatre seats, holidays, and favourable property transactions as examples of indirect inducements, and recalls meeting former Vickers salespeople. The distinction in this account is between such benefits and a direct cash payment, without establishing that every arrangement was lawful. World War II dispersed experienced sales staff through military service and other duties, leaving the company with a network to rebuild after the war.