Cobden Turner helped to develop the radio proximity fuse and other devices during the Second World War. After the war he became Managing Director of Salford Electronic Instruments Ltd (SEI). He became a friend of Jones following a chance meeting in 1953 and consulted him, on behalf of SEI, on a variety of technical matters connected with instrument design. He also had an interest in scientific intelligence. Cobden Turner retired in 1957 and remained in correspondence with Jones on social and technical matters. SEI also continued to consult Jones after 1957.

The correspondence is presented in chronological order. It includes letters re instrument design, scientific intelligence, social occasions and arrangements for visits to Salford and London.