The Bentley Aluminium Piston Story - and Rolls-Royce's role

[andyfeaver]

Hello all,

Some further files uncovered from the SHRMF West Wittering files show the primary evidence of WO visiting Rolls-Royce at Derby and sharing with them the success he had experienced with the aluminium piston in the DFP. This suggestion is sent to Royce for consideration in their first aero engine - the Eagle.



And then later, post-war acknowledgement of the aluminium piston origin.



The story then continues in the paperwork, showing how solicitors for WO asked Rolls-Royce to support WO's claim from the post-war Commission for an award "up to £100,000" in relation to the aero engine aluminium piston breakthrough. RR did support the claim, with Ernest Hives (Head of Experimental at the time) being asked to attend in person.





In the end, Hives is sent to represent Rolls-Royce at the Commission and ultimately it awards WO £8000 in 1919. This sizeable sum of money arrives just at the time when the fledgling company was busy gearing up on the production of the first 3 litres.

It is interesting to see how Bentley and Rolls-Royce have had an "interesting" relationship, right from the beginning!

AF

[John Murch]

Thank you for sharing that fascinating correspondence.

[Ewan Gallie]

Fascinating

[andyfeaver]

Hello all,

I am pleased you liked it.

There is some more on the aluminium piston story from the BDC of Australia, which I will dig out shortly. I think it further adds to the nuiances of what happened and widens the cast of characters involved.

AF