Graham James

Graham James introduces himself and talks of the time he spent at Dowty from 1959 to 2001

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham talks about his early years as an apprentice

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham talks about the roles he was engaged in as a Production Engineer

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham recalls his involvement while working on Submarine and Hovercraft projects

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham talks about the trade unions and his sports and social involvement

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham talks about the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) that was fitted to high value aircraft

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham recalls a story about making a swing for Sir George's socks!

Original Audio File with Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub

Graham James is interviewed by John Herring discussing his career at Dowty from when he started work at Dowty Arle Court in 1959 aged 16 to the time he retired in 2001.

He talks of his early years as an apprentice and later when he was transferred to Dowty Rotol at the time when Rotol had just been incorporated within the Dowty Group.

Graham found himself working back at Arle Court at Dowty Hydraulic Units as a Production Engineer and he discusses the roles he held, including Jig & Tool Design, Programming, Test Tool Design, Service and Assembly Tools.

He talks about the customers he worked with both military and civil, including RAF, Royal Navy, SAAB and Airbus, and others that were worldwide, he recalls his involvement with the Hovercraft SRN 4, 5 and 6 and Submarines

He recalls his involvement with the Trade Unions as a member of the TASS negotiating team.

Graham talks about his support of the Sports and Social as a Camping Club member

He talks about his involvement with the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)

In his time at Arle Court on the Maintenance he talks about the time when he was asked to design and manufacture a swing for Sir George Dowty’s socks!

Graham finally took early retirement after 42-years from the Dowty Group in 2001.

Interviewer: John Herring