Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia. Archival keeper of all things connected to Sir Henry Royce in Australia and the world. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering

Information held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation (Australia) on Walter Owen Bentley. Walter Owen Bentley Born: 16 September 1888, Hampstead, England Died: 13 August 1971 (aged 82), Woking, England Nationality: English Occupation: Engineer In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley, the small sports/racing car maker and potential rival, after the latter's finances failed to weather the onset of the Great Depression. Rolls-Royce stopped production of the new big Bentley 8 Litre, which was threatening sales of their current Phantom, disposed of remaining Bentley assets and made use of just the Bentley name and its repute. After some years of development Rolls-Royce produced a new quite different ultra-civilised medium-size range of Bentleys advertising them as "the silent sports car". They were very much in the Rolls-Royce mould. From soon after World War II until 2002 standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars were often very nearly identical apart from the radiator grille and minor details. Interesting snippets .... The famous “Winged B” hood ornament was designed with forgers in mind. As a counter to the red-hot faux hood ornament market, there’s actually a different number of feathers on each side, in the hopes that forgers wouldn’t notice. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded as Bentley Motors Limited by W. O. Bentley in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London—and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003. Woolf Barnato was a wealthy playboy who raced cars for fun. He ran at Le Man three times, winning all three, then took over as CEO from W.O. Bentley after Rolls-Royce took over the company. Rolls-Royce took over the assets of Bentley Motors (1919) Ltd and formed a subsidiary, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had acquired the Bentley showrooms in Cork Street, the service station at Kingsbury, the complex at Cricklewood and the services of Bentley himself. Bentley had neglected to register their trademark so Rolls-Royce immediately did so. They also sold the Cricklewood factory in 1932. Production stopped for two years, before resuming at the Rolls-Royce works in Derby. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression throttled the demand for Bentley's expensive motor cars. On 10 July 1931 a receiver was appointed. The British Central Equitable Trust made a winning sealed bid of £125,000. British Central Equitable Trust later proved to be a front for Rolls-Royce Limited. In 1934 Barnato was appointed to the board of the new Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Until some time after World War II, most high-end motorcar manufacturers like Bentley and Rolls-Royce did not supply complete cars. They sold rolling chassis, near-complete from the instrument panel forward. Each chassis was delivered to the coach builder of the buyer's choice. The biggest specialist car dealerships had coachbuilders build standard designs for them which were held in stock awaiting potential buyers. All Bentleys produced from 1931 to 2004 used inherited or shared Rolls-Royce chassis, and adapted Rolls-Royce engines, and are described by critics as badge-engineered Rolls-Royces. W. O. Bentley was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1995. " . . . In the eyes of those who own, have owned, or aspire to own, one of the 3,040 Bentley cars designed and built by the 'old' Bentley company under the leadership of "W. O." he was admired and respected—indeed, I think, loved is not too strong a word—for to know his cars was to know him. During his working life "W. O." suffered a series of ups and downs which might have broken a lesser man. It certainly marked him and it was a disillusioned "W. O." I first met 25 years ago [1946]. . . . "W. O." has said that the pleasure he derived in the post-war years from Club activities; from making new friends among its members; and from seeing the loving care bestowed upon 'his' cars has more than compensated for all his earlier disappointments." "The six years during which I worked for "W. O." were a period of education and pleasure. His modesty, lack of pretension, mental honesty and reasonableness endeared him to those in contact with him, and his over-riding interest in the improvement of the car provided the education in a period which included the post-war 2 1⁄2-litre Lagonda development, schemes for 4 and 8 cylinder derivatives, for the pursuit of shorter strokes in engines, for a small transverse-engined front wheel drive car and for a performance engine for the Morris Minor in place of the 850cc side valve engine it then endured. Though normally of reflective habit his experience showed him when swift action was necessary, and he could be very determined in pursuing it. Big enough to admit mistakes when they had occurred, he also knew when to modify and when to start afresh in remedying them. It is a pity that circumstances prevented his influence on car development from being greater than it was. Though motoring and motor cars were his life he retained a keen interest in locomotives." Mr Donald Bastow.

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

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

Rolls-Royce 20hp Name Plates as found at the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia. 20hp Name Plates 1/1

Short Stories around the engineering genius of Sir Henry Royce. Stories held in the archives of the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia. Sir Henry - Short Stories The Foundation's Historian David Neely , has written a set of 10 short stories covering important aspects of Sir Henry's life. David's research is, as always, meticulous. We hope you enjoy this series. 1. His Early Years 2. Career 1877 to 1897 3. Sir Henry's Statue 4. Sir Henry's Motto 5. The Schneider Trophy 6. His Portrait 7. Baronetcy 8. Coats of Arms 9. The Memorial Window 10. His Funeral

Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia has a shop of books relevant to the life and time of Sir Henry Royce specially Rolls-Royce. Shop Please note: Our Foundation is run in its entirety by our wonderful volunteers. We will endeavour to fulfil your order as soon as practical and thank you for your understanding and patience. Overseas orders (outside of Australia) please email chair@henryroycefoundation.com for addition costs to cover tracking, postage & packaging. NB: Australia Post is currently unable to deliver books to the USA until the issue of collecting import tariffs is clarified. We will advise as soon as this service re-commences. DOWNLOAD ORDER FORM HERE Rolls-Royce & Bentley in The Sunburnt Country - The first 50 years in Australia $170.00 - Price includes GST and postage within Australia. For overseas postage costs, please email; chair@henryroycefoundation.com By Tom Clarke and David Neely The re-print of this book complete with Supplements from 1999-July 2021 is now available. It is A4 in size, soft cover, 588 pages and weighs 2.1 kgs. 500 copies of the first edition of this excellent book have been sold. It has received enthusiastic reviews around the world. This book is a MUST for all enthusiasts in Australia and indeed for all Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners worldwide. The authors are thankful to readers who have sent in various corrections, photographs and improvements. Please note: t he "first fifty years" covers 1906-1956. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Origins and Development 1906-1926 $155.00 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. For overseas postage costs, please email; chair@henryroycefoundation.com By David Forward A major work on the Silver Ghost and the years that made the Rolls-Royce Company's fame and fortune. Essential knowledge for all persons interested in the 40/50hp Silver Ghost and its development. David Forward has used his extensive knowledge of the Silver Ghost to write and publish this comprehensive book containing the greatest amount of technical information available on the subject, and extremely interesting to read. It has received worldwide acclaim and is in the library of most Silver Ghost owners as well as the RAC library in London. Attractively presented with 200+ pictures and diagrams, handsomely bound in matching slipcase. Evelyn Maud Mill; From servant to socialite $55.00 Price includes GST and Postage within Australia. For overseas postage costs, please email; chair@henryroycefoundation.com By Paul Tritton Lover, mistress, wife and widow of Claude Goodman Johnson,' the hyphen in Rolls-Royce'. Tom Clarke says "HAVING PAUL TRITTON’S name on anything associated with the history of Rolls-Royce is a guarantee of wonderful reading. Paul’s track record is an enviable one. Most aspects of Rolls-Royce history have received coverage down the years but not the women behind the company’s key figures. It’s quite a story and evokes both the belle epoque of the Edwardian decade and the freer 1920s. The human side of the Rolls-Royce story is well told here". Click HERE for a further review by past SHRF Trustee, Jeanne Eve. Rolls-Royce and Bentley In The Rear-View Mirror $45.00 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By David Neely A history of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia. Featured are over 700 photographs and illustrations covering many aspects of the Club. Lists and tables spanning 1956 to 2002 include 4000+ members and more than 2000 Rolls-Royce and 800 Bentley motor cars. Additional reference sources are contained in chassis number and registration number lists. 50 Years with a Rolls-Royce Twenty $12.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By David G. Davis This is a fascinating insight into the philosophy and approach developed after 50 years of owning and maintaining a 1922 Rolls-Royce Twenty. The 40-page A5 size booklet in colour includes a detailed list of chassis changes compiled by Bob Clarke, the Australian Club's Twenty Registrar. The author, who was a Foundation Trustee, met the cost of production personally, and proceeds will go to the Foundation. Concerning the 20hp Rolls-Royce 1922-2022 $55.00 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By David Davis & Ian Berg The 20hp Rolls-Royce, which became known as the ‘Twenty’, was announced in October of 1922. The Twenty was the car that Rolls-Royce would have preferred not to build. Henry Royce clearly indicated that he wouldn’t have considered it but for the fact that the market for the larger Silver Ghost had dried up, and sales staff did not push the new model. Yet the Twenty became a great success, nowhere more so than in Australia. Published by the 20-Ghost Club, Australia Concerning the 20hp Rolls-Royce: 1922-2022 celebrates the centenary of the Twenty and also includes comprehensive details of all known Twentys in Australia. . An Australian Rolls-Royce $7.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By Bryan Inder The story of a Rolls-Royce 40/50H.P. model Silver Ghost Chassis number 12HG delivered new in Australia in 1923. John Bull Sketchbook $17.50 Price includes GST and postage within Australia. By Bryan Inder The story of a Rolls-Royce 40/50H.P. model Silver Ghost Chassis number 12HG delivered new in Australia in 1923. GA Drawings $50.00 The files are emailed as a ZIP file over WeTransfer. A set of General Assembly (GA) Drawings. The set has been rescued and many of the drawings are available for pre-war cars to assist with restoration and maintenance. Please note that some drawings are damaged beyond repair, but many have been digitised in PDF format ready to be used. The purchase includes the collection and a spreadsheet of explanation.

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.

Rolls-Royce 20hp Australian Cars. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation Australia hold an extensive photographic record of 20hp cars that have been in Australia. Australian 20hp's This pictorial list of Australian delivered 20hp's includes year of manufacture, chassis number, coachbuilder (where known) and if the car is still happily motoring. A detailed history of the cars can be found within the book " Rolls-Royce & Bentley The Sunburnt Country ". 1/6

Documents of Interest The documents below are in no particular order (at this point in time). They will be categorised in due course. 1970 - Proposal to form a Technical Association between Rolls-Royce and Bentley Car Clubs 1971 - Outcome of proposed Technical Federation/Association

20hp Parts 1/7

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 appointed Chairman and resigned in 2011. 2008 - David Davis appointed as a Trustee in 2008 and resigned in 2012. 2010 - Russell Rolls appointed as a Trustee 2011 - Russell Rolls appointed Chairman 2013 - Brian Crump appointed as a Trustee. 2013 - Eric Henderson appointed as a Trustees and resigned in 2025. 2016 - Frank Carroll appointed as a Trustee. 2017 - Jeanne Eve appointed as a Trustee and resigned in 2024. 2019 - Wallace Moorhouse appointed as a Trustee. 2022 - Brian Crump FRSA appointed Chairman 2022 - Russell Rolls remaining as a Trustee 2023 - Clare Gordon appointed as a Trustee 2024 - Ian Oliver appointed as a Trustee 2025 - Dr Howard Wraight appointed as a Trustee Gilbert Ralph, MBE OAM - Foundation's Honorary Archivist - 1996 to 2022 David Neely is the Foundation's Historical Consultant.