The Contribution of Dowty to the World of Mining

by John Whitaker

Introduction

At the Dowty Employee Reunion event held last autumn at Arle Court, Cheltenham, Mr John Whitaker – grandson of the first Dowty Group Chairman A W Martyn and author of the definitive history of the family business H H Martyn in a book called The Best – made a speech with an impassioned plea – please do something to commemorate the remarkable life of Sir George Dowty.

Accordingly the Sir George Dowty Memorial Committee was formed – of which l am the Chairman.

John then produced a paper detailing the significant contribution made by the Dowty Group in the Battle of Britain – Mr David Davis a former Dowty Aerospace Director – was very helpful in editing this paper.

The paper received many compliments from the highest level.

A sequel was therefore called for and is attached.

This paper has again been authored by John Whitaker – you will see however that Mr Bill Reid – editor of CoalZoom.com in the USA – has made a very significant contribution.

The circulation will be international.

The Committee remain committed to communicating the very significant achievements of Sir George Dowty and believe this paper will be very helpful in this quest.

Martin Robins – Chairman Sir George Dowty Memorial Committee