UK aerospace—a personal view

Extract

In the first Henry Tizard Memorial Lecture presentee here at Boscombe Down on the 28th October 1964, Professor R. V. Jones gave a masterly survey of the life and times of Sir Henry, as one who knew him well and it will be no part of my plan to retrace the story of this great man tonight.

While re-reading Jones’ paper I was reminded of the men of stature who were around in the aviation business in the years immediately before the Second World War. It was one of Henry Tizard's great tasks to harness these giants at a time when this country led the world in scientific research.

I, personally, had little to do with Tizard as in those days my job was to carry the bags for those who had the message to convey. This in no way detracts from my admiration of him as a quite outstanding person and a rare example of a real scientist who understood the practical problems associated with the interpretation of new ideas.

It is a great honour for me to be asked to give this, the Sixth Henry Tizard Memorial Lecture.