Photo Gallery These photos are a just a tiny selection from our extensive archives. ** Click on the photos below to view the full gallery of photos. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 5VF155 Taken during the visit of the King of Nepal in 1971 is 5VF155 with registration ZSF-570. Note the Crown above the number plate is covered. Photo courtesy of National Archives of Australia Sir Henry Royce Memorial Window Located in Westminster Abbey is a memorial window for Sir Frederick Henry Royce, engineer and car designer. Designed by Sir J. Ninian Comper It was unveiled by Lord Kindersley, chairman of Rolls-Rolls Ltd., on 23rd October 1962. The inscription at the base reads: In memory of Frederick Henry Royce O.B.E. Baronet, Engineer. Born 1863. Died 1933. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 1/13

Sir Henry Royce Foundation (Australia). Created to preserve the heritage of the past in relation to items manufactured by Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the history of the Founders and all printed material relating to the Company’s automobiles and aircraft engines. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering. Enter Site

Foundation Archives - VIC To download the current register of Australian Archives please click HERE . Updated May 2024. To contact the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archivists, please click HERE to email. The Archive Register is a list of donated items and property held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation - Australia. The purpose of this Register is to properly record, and maintain, a list of all items donated to, and acquired by, the Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia (SHRFA). It provides for donors’ names to be recorded and each item numbered, identified, described, categorised and valued. Items acquired by the Foundation are included in the Register under the category of Property. Every item will bear a unique Accession Number which will consist of a Code Letter followed by a chronological Item Number and in some cases a Sub Number where a particular donation contains a number of separate items. The Accession Number will be written on the item or attached to the item on a sticker. A reminder of the Research Prize for use of the Archive Register - please click HERE for the entry form. SHRF - Royce solenoid (as told by Gibert Ralph) Play Video Our Oldest Archive Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering

Aero Engines Click here to download Frank Carroll's transcript of his talk on Rolls-Royce & World War II Rolls-Royce “Eagle” Aero Engine (photos below) A piston engine in a twelve-cylinder 60° Vee configuration (V12) of 20.3 litres capacity. Each cylinder is separate with its water jacket fabricated from steel pressings and welded in place. Each cylinder has two valves, inlet and exhaust, actuated by an overhead camshaft on each bank of six cylinders. The initial output of this engine was 225 horsepower increasing to 350hp in the ‘Eagle 81’. This was Henry Royce’s first aero-engine, and took only six months from drawing board to initial test. A feature of this engine is the beautiful epicyclic reduction gear drive to the propeller. This type of reduction gear was later incorporated by Mr Royce in the engines of the Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost and New Phantom (Phantom I) motor cars. Two Rolls-Royce Eagle engines powered Alcock and Brown’s Vickers Vimy biplane (a converted bomber) which made the first direct crossing of the Atlantic in 1919; and Ross and Keith Smith’s Vimy, in which the Australian brothers, also in 1919, accomplished the first flight from England to Australia within a specified time limit of 30 days or less. Rolls-Royce “Merlin” Aero Engine (photos below) A piston engine in a twelve-cylinder 60 Vee configuration (V12) of 27 litres capacity with two banks of six cylinders. Each bank carried an overhead camshaft driven by skew gears from the wheel case at the rear. Each cylinder has four valves, two inlet and two exhaust. Initial output was 625hp, which increased to over 2000hp in later versions largely due to improvements in supercharging. This famous engine powered Britain’s World War II front-line fighters, the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, in the decisive 1940 Battle of Britain. It was also used in the Avro Lancaster and de Havilland D.H.98 Mosquito during WW2. The Merlin was a direct descendant of the R engine, which was developed by Rolls-Royce as a private venture without Government funding and powered the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S.6 and S.6B racing seaplanes in 1929 and 1931 respectively. Rolls-Royce "Derwent" Jet Engine (photos below) The Derwent was the second jet engine manufactured by Rolls-Royce. The Welland was the first, developed in association with jet propulsion pioneer (Sir) Frank Whittle. The Derwent was first fitted to the twin-engine Gloster Meteor in 1944. Early Derwents produced 2000lb thrust; later versions delivered 3600lb thrust at 14,700rpm. A Meteor powered by two Derwent V turbojets broke the World Air Speed record; first at 606mph (975kph) in 1945 and in 1946 at 616mph (990kph). The Welland and Derwent headed a long line of highly successful Rolls-Royce jet engines, which included the celebrated Avon, Conway, RB.211 and Trent. Rolls-Royce "Avon" Jet Engine (photos below) Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Pty Ltd (CAC), owned by a consortium of Australian companies and Rolls-Royce Ltd, manufactured this engine in the 1950s in Melbourne. The engine type was fitted to the English-Electric Canberra twin-engine bomber manufactured under licence by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) in Fishermans Bend, Melbourne for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Later versions were used in the CAC-built Avon Sabre jet fighter for the RAAF. This aircraft was a more powerful development of the North American F-86 Sabre. A total of 218 Avon engines was manufactured by CAC, and a further 1,704 overhauls were undertaken for the RAAF. CAC had a long association with Rolls-Royce, having built 108 Merlins (plus spares) and 112 Nene jet engines in Australia. Nicholas and Richard Knight presented this engine to the Foundation in recognition of the contribution of Herbert H. Knight to the aircraft industry in Australia and his role in bringing aircraft manufacture to Australia. Herbert Knight commenced his career in the aircraft industry at Westland Aircraft in Somerset, England in 1928. He was at CAC from 1937 until 1969, serving as General Manager and a Director for the last nine years of his career. ** Click on the photos below to view the full gallery of photos. ** Below the photo gallery are a few short videos on Aero Engines. 1992 Rolls-Royce Tay 650-15 turbofan engine. It is 29 years old; has travelled 28,000 flight hours and completed 19,999 cycles (stop/start) - one short of its predicted lifetime of 20k cycles. 1992 Rolls-Royce Tay 650-15 turbofan engine. It is 29 years old; has travelled 28,000 flight hours and completed 19,999 cycles (stop/start) - one short of its predicted lifetime of 20k cycles. The Tay is a medium-bypass turbofan engine, developed from the highly successful Spey engine and using technology from the renowned RB211 engine. The Tay family of engines is used on Gulfstream business jets and on the Fokker 70 and Fokker 100. Rolls-Royce "Avon" Jet Engine 1992 Rolls-Royce Tay 650-15 turbofan engine. It is 29 years old; has travelled 28,000 flight hours and completed 19,999 cycles (stop/start) - one short of its predicted lifetime of 20k cycles. 1/12 SHRF - Avon engine (R Rolls) Play Video SHRF - Derwent engine (R Rolls) Play Video SHRF - Eagle Engine (as told by Russell Rolls) Play Video SHRF - Merlin Restoration (as told by Bryan Harper) Play Video Aero Engines Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

SHRF Trustees History The formal ‘Instrument Creating the Sir Henry Royce Foundation’ was signed by the four Founding Trustees: 1996 - David Jones, AM OBE KSJ appointed as a Trustee 1996 - Malcolm Johns appointed as a Trustee 1996 - Jim Kelso, OAM appointed as a Trustee 1996 - David Vann, OAM appointed as a Trustee All founding Trustees were former Federal Presidents and Honorary Life Members of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia (RROCA). The signing was witnessed by two of the RROCA’s Foundation Members, Barrie and Margaret Gillings at the Federal Rally Presentation Dinner in Wollongong 29th April 1996. It came as a surprise to everyone there except the trustees. The signing was witnessed by two of the RROCA’s Foundation Members, Barrie and Margaret Gillings a t the first meeting of Trustees in Sydney on 16 August 1996: 1996 - David Jones † was elected the Inaugural Chairman. 2006 - Jim Kelso † resigned. 2007 - David Neely was appointed as a Trustee in 2007 and resigned in 2012. 2008 - David Jones, AM OBE KSJ † became Patron. 2008 - David Vann was appointed Chairman and resigned in 2011. 2008 - David Davis was appointed as a Trustee in 2008 and resigned in 2012. 2010 - Russell Rolls was appointed as a Trustee 2011 - Russell Rolls appointed Chairman 2013 - Brian Crump and Eric Henderson were appointed Trustees. 2016 - Frank Carroll was appointed as a Trustee. 2017 - Jeanne Eve was appointed as a Trustee and resigned in 2024. 2019 - Wallace Moorhouse was appointed as a Trustee. 2022 - Brian Crump FRSA appointed Chairman 2022 - Russell Rolls remaining as a Trustee 2023 - Clare Gordon was appointed as a Trustee 2024 - Ian Oliver was appointed as a Trustee Gilbert Ralph, MBE OAM - Foundation's Honorary Archivist - 1996 to 2022 David Neely is the Foundation's Historical Consultant.

Evelyn Maud Mill; from servant to socialite. Lover, mistress, wife and widow of Claude Goodman Johnson,'the hyphen in Rolls-Royce'. Evelyn Maud Mill; From servant to socialite. By Paul Tritton Who wouldn't love to open a long lost suitcase to find love letters, photographs and more? This is how renowned researcher Paul Tritton discovered family papers, photographs, memorabilia and love letters not published previously to reveal the identity of the elusive 'Mrs Wigs'. Anyone interested in the story of Rolls-Royce or the influence of a strong minded woman in the fast living 1920's will enjoy this biography. Tritton details how Evelyn Maud Mill, who was born into impoverishment in London, began her working life scenes ‘in service' to become the lover, mistress and then stylish second wife of the famous English business man and socialite, Claude Goodman Johnson. It is a true love story about Claude, who's often referred to as 'the hyphen in Rolls-Royce' and his passionate affair then lifestyle with 'Mrs Wigs' until his death. To date, only Claude's successful business prowess in motoring ventures and enterprise is known, not the supportive woman in his life and the sensitive, musical, family and fun loving world behind the scenes. All this when he was promoting the R-R Silver Ghost; 'the best car in the world' fame. Paul Tritton has illuminated the social history of the 1920's in England and the south of France in this highly readable book. Evelyn and Claude come alive on the pages and enrich the human side of the major personalities in the Rolls-Royce story. It will appeal to any reader of social or business history, to Rolls-Royce and motoring aficionados and anyone desiring insights on how women contributed to successful business ventures a century ago. Paul Tritton is the renowned British author and historical researcher especially within the world of Rolls-Royce. He was the feature writer for Rolls-Royce Motors "Journal" and has written several books about Rolls-Royce; "John Montagu of Beaulieu: Motoring Pioneer and Prophet" in 1985, "The Godfather of Rolls-Royce: The Life and Times of Henry Edmunds" in 1993 and finally "When Rolls and Royce made history on Dover's White Cliffs" in 2016. Paul has written several books ranging in topic from the first sound recording made by Queen Victoria, the loss of a wartime RAF Stirling bomber in the battle of Holland, to several books on the city of Canterbury and how a small town in Kent prepared for a possible Nazi invasion. Paul has been interested in the personal life of Claude Johnson since the 75th anniversary of Rolls-Royce when he was researching Henry Edmunds who famously introduced Henry Royce and Charles Rolls to each other in 1904. Claude Johnson also played a major role in the Rolls-Royce company and is often referred to as the ‘’hyphen in Rolls-Royce’’. But who was “Mrs Wigs’’ by his side? From wide research and consultation with family descendants, Paul has now found Mrs Wigs and revealed Evelyn Maud Mill’s influential life. Initially Paul was uncertain whether to include Claude’s deeply personal love letters to Mrs Wigs. But social life has become more liberal over the decades and personal lives are entwined with the public persona. Paul is a biographer with a thirst for detail and accuracy and writes with sensitivity. Review by SHRF Trustee - Jeanne Eve

York Motors Service Histories The Foundation holds approximately 279 file folders of various types from the former York Motors Rolls-Royce division in Australia. These detail the service histories of a similar number of Australian-delivered or -maintained cars spanning an approximate period from 1967 to 1992. The cars include Corniche, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit, Silver Spur, Camargue and others of the period. To enquire about a specific vehicle record, email: chair@henryroycefoundation.com.au

SHRF Trustees Brian Crump FRSA (Chairman) Brian Crump is a member of the RROCA and of the RREC and RROC as well as the Royal Automobile Club of Australia. He is a past President of the RROCA NSW Branch Inc., and is passionate about all types of mechanical devices that demonstrate excellence. Brian’s favourite possession is his 1933 Phantom II Continental sports saloon with body by J Gurney Nutting. He is fascinated by the history of motoring in Australia and enjoys nothing more than engaging in a long run in the Australian bush. Brian is engaged in International Education at the tertiary level and holds post-graduate degrees in philosophy. Chairman : chair@henryroycefoundation.com Russell Rolls Russell Rolls is a professional mechanical engineer with a life-time interest in engineering heritage. He has been a member of the RROCA, the RREC and the RROC Inc for over 50 years. He is a regular participant in classic and historic car events both in Australia and internationally. He is a former Federal President of the RROCA, a former President of the Victoria Branch of the RROCA and is an Honorary Life Member of the RROCA. Russell held the position of Chair of SHRF for eleven years, 2011 to 2022. Clare Gordon Clare Gordon is a member of RROCA and RREC. Actively associated with supporting the servicing, maintenance and sales of Rolls-Royce motor cars, her firm is the only Australian member of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Specialists Association (RRBSA). Clare is passionate about the engineering and design excellence which is the undeniable thread that runs through all aspects of Sir Henry Royce’s pursuits. Her exposure to the Trades has resulted in a strong, practical commitment to supporting the recognition and transfer of knowledge and skills which capture the craftsmanship and culture that is Sir Henry Royce. Dr Howard Wraight Dr Howard Wraight is a medical doctor with an extensive career in pharmaceutical medicine and clinical research. He is a past President of the RROCA (Victoria Branch) and a long standing member of the RREC, the RROC Inc as well as the 20-Ghost Club. Howard is a passionate admirer of Sir Henry Royce and his dedication to engineering excellence and also the history of the Rolls-Royce Company. He has a keen interest in the Foundation archives and is dedicated to see the SHRF fulfill its objectives.. Frank Carroll Frank Carroll is a retired Solicitor in Queensland, with decades of work in charities and community organisations enriching our society. Now the custodian of several Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, he is a member of the RREC(UK) and serves in the Queensland Branch of RROCA, where he is Chief Judge. Inspired by the engineering genius of Charles Rolls, W.O. Bentley and especially Sir Henry Royce, Frank is keen to see this Foundation fulfill its objectives, with an active presence in Queensland at the "Coolum Showroom" since October 2018. Wallace Moorhouse Wallace Moorhouse is a Foundation Member of the Queensland Branch (1969). Served on Branch Committee including periods as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar. Assisted in organising several Annual Federal Rallies in Queensland and participated in most “Overlander” runs since 1997. Served as Federal Delegate on numerous occasions. Served as Federal Secretary from 2009 to 2014. Honorary Life Member 2007. Established the Current Federal Member and Car Database in 2010 and been Federal Database Administrator since and assisted in preparation of Chassis Plate. Ian Oliver Ian is a long-time member of RROCA ACT and brings an accounting and commercial background to the SHRF. Ian is currently the treasurer of RROCA Ltd. Ian’s has a serious interest in motoring and includes many different unique makes and models in his collection. His first Bentley was a 1951 Bentley Mk VI bought over twenty years ago and from that time onwards his passion for Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars grew to be a passion. Ian became a Trustee of the SHRF in 2024 and has also established the SHRF Canberra Showroom in Fyshwick ACT along with a display of his other makes in Ollies’ Garage. Ian and Tina Oliver are truly committed to the engineering excellence of Sir Henry and Ian has a particular interest in the past history and provenance of Rolls-Royce motor cars. In 2018 Ian shipped his Bentley Mark VI Park Ward Drophead Coupe to the UK for the RREC Rally and won much acclaim for its outstanding presentation. In Memoriam June 2021: Malcolm Johns was an initial Founding Trustee. Malcolm died in Sydney on 8/6/21. His legal knowledge and advice was instrumental for the Foundation's structure in 1996 and he remained a Trustee for eighteen years - read more.... Please CLICK HERE to read our list of past Trustees.

Miscellaneous The following photo gallery are miscellaneous items designed by (and sometime also made by) Sir Henry Royce. These items are not in the SHRF collection - we thought you might be interested to have a look. In Sir Henry Royce's home Brae Cottage, in Knutsford, Cheshire - the light switches and doors were all designed by Sir Henry Royce. They are still in Brae Cottage today. In Sir Henry Royce's home Brae Cottage, in Knutsford, Cheshire - the light switches and doors were all designed by Sir Henry Royce. They are still in Brae Cottage today. 1/1 A Brace of Phantom V's Præclarvm 5-17, page 7245 David Neely, the Foundation's NSW Historical Consultant, tells of the service of the 2 SHRF Phantoms in the Commonwealth Government fleet. A Selection of Cars from Queensland Præclarvm 5-17, page 7254 Gilbert Ralph, the SHRF Honorary Archivist, delves in to the photo archives for Queensland cars. A Brace of Cars from South Australia Præclarvm 6-16, page 7074 In this two-page spread some of the Archive’s photos of South Australian members' cars of the past are featured. Researchers visit the Archive Præclarvm 5-16, page 7037 In this edition the Honorary Archivist gives details of a group of motoring researchers who visited the Archive to tap the information in the historic material it holds. As well there is an article on materials the Archive was given at the 2016 RROCA Federal Rally in Bendigo. A Brace of Cars from Western Australia Præclarvm 5-16, pages 7038 In this two page spread some of the Archive's photos of Western Australia members' cars of the past are featured. The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Præclarvm 4-16, pages 7002 Following the 2-16 edition of Bentley's in the immediate post-war period, displayed here are the Rolls-Royce offerings from 1947 when the Silver Wraith was introduced. These early cars were mostly recognised from their use of Lucas P.100 and R.100 headlamps, and radiator mounted ahead of the front axle centreline, the latter common to only two pre-World War Two Rolls-Royce types: the 25/30hp Wraith and Phantom III. The Bentley MkVI Præclarvm 2-16, pages 6930 Here the Honorary Archivist displays several of the special bodied examples of the Bentley Mk VI model that were available in the immediate post-war period. The photos were provided by the coachbuilders to enable customers to select from the range of special bodies available. Amy Johnson’s Rolls-Royce Identified Præclarvm 1-16, pages 6900 Here the Honorary Archivist recounts how in Issue 4-15 of Præclarvm, p6779, he contributed an article about Amy Johnson in which it was suggested that the Silver Ghost she was riding in was 65LK and asked if any reader was able to confirm that. But immediate response from two members corrected that Chassis Number to 34YG, which leads to an interesting history of that motor car. Charles Sykes Revisited Præclarvm 1-16, pages 6892 The Foundation’s Honorary Archivist describes the recent donation of a figurine of Charles Sykes. The Spirit; Celebrating 75 Years of the Rolls-Royce Motor Car Præclarvm 6-15, pages 6858 This book of 24 pages features water colour scenes of Rolls-Royce motor cars being enjoyed by owners in the years 1904 to 1979. The book includes an Introduction by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu who describes early motoring and his love of Rolls-Royce motor cars, lamenting ‘there are too many of them. Part 2 of a 2 part selection of the water colours. Amy Johnson and Rolls-Royce Præclarvm 4-15, page 6779 The Honorary Archivist of the Foundation describes finding, in a collection of newspaper cuttings, the attached coloured picture featuring a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carrying Amy Johnson around the Geelong Racecourse. The search is then on to identify the car. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archive and You Præclarvm 2-15, pages 6710 - 6713 The Honorary Archivist of the Foundation describes how the Collection Policy of the Foundations is achieved through the ‘collection, documentation and exhibiting of any objects whatsoever illustrating or connected with the science of mechanical engineering and especially related to the work of Sir Henry Royce.’ James Young Body Photos from the John Bull Collection Præclarvm 1-15, page 6678 Following on from Præclarvm 6-14, this edition shows photos from James Young Ltd body designs from the late 1940s through to 1965. Hooper Body Photos from the John Bull Collection Præclarvm 6-14, page 6642 Recently donated to the Foundation was material from the collection of the late John Bull, a member of the RROCA, South Australia Branch. Shown here is a selection of photos sent to him in 1967 by the then Managing Director of Hooper & Co (Bodybuilders) Ltd, Osmond F. Rivers. The Angas Family and Their Pre-War Motor Cars Præclarvm 4-14, page 6567 / Præclarvm 5-14, page 6605 The Angas family are a well-known and respected family of pastoralists descended from George Fife Angas, who became Chairman and a major shareholder of The South Australian Company. In 1909 Charles H. Angas was the first person to import a Rolls-Royce into South Australia, and he and his three sons, Ronald, Dudley and Keith, all became enthusiastic motorists. This photograph album highlights their choices in exotic cars. The Barr Smiths and their Proper Motor Cars Præclarvm 2-14, page 6486 Over three generations, the Barr Smith family of South Australia had at least 24 Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, which may well place them in the category of the most prolific owners/users of those two marques in Australia.. Claude Mason and his Cars Præclarvm 1-14, page 6462 Members and visitors to Bill Allsep House will admire the unique models of a Silver Ghost and a 20hp on display amongst the Foundation‘s collection. Both 2-metre-long models are the work of one man: the late Claude Mason. A selection of photographs from David Shmith Præclarvm 3-13, page 6310 Here are photographs of particular interest because of their Australian content. They were donated by David Shmith, former Managing Director of York Motors in Sydney. David’s father, Maurice Shmith, joined Tarrant Motors in 1904 as a car washer, and by 1910 he was Sales Manager. With some partners he established Yellow Cabs in 1924, and in 1932 he was instrumental in the formation of York Motors, Sydney, of which he was Managing Director until succeeded by his son, David. Do you have an Australian Body? Præclarvm 2-13, page 6280 If you are a lucky owner of a body built by one of the 83 known Australian coachbuilders who have designed and constructed coachwork on Rolls-Royce or Bentley motors cars in Australia, and you want to know more about the firm in question, this article may have something of interest to you. One man’s contribution to the SHRF Archive Præclarvm 6-12, page 6209 One of the functions of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia, is to collect anything related to Sir Henry Royce. The Archive is the repository of the Foundation’s collection, and attendees at meetings of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club, Victoria Branch, have the opportunity to see some of the larger items on display in the meeting room. Others who venture into the Archive itself see very little apart from a vast collection of archive boxes stored neatly on the rows of shelving. The most recent of these contains a small selection of the hundreds of items donated by one man: David Neely. James Radley beats a train from London to Monte Carlo Præclarvm 5-12, page 6172 James Radley (1884-1959), the English adventurer, shared a passion for ballooning, flying and motor racing with the Hon. Charles Rolls. But unlike Rolls he survived his numerous exploits and died an old man. Radley competed in the Austrian Alpine Trials of 1912, 1913 and 1914 in three different Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts; 1930E, 2206E and 18PB respectively. He was successful in the latter two events – but that is another story which will no doubt be featured during 2013, the centenary of his first success. There is however a lesser-known motoring event for which he received notoriety in November 1913: he broke the speed record for motoring between London and Monte Carlo in a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, 2521, a 1913 model with a light tourer body fashioned by his own Portholme Coach Works business in Huntingdon, UK.