Articles and Speeches

Sir Sidney Camm and the War Effort
26-Jan-07, Windsor Express Article.

I was delighted to hear of a new charity being set up to commemorate Sir Sydney Camm. Camm was an aeronautical engineer who was born in Windsor in 1893. As a boy, he was a member of Windsor Model Aeroplane Club and went on to join the Hawker Aircraft Company as a Draughtsman. He contributed much to the designs of many of their aircraft including some that contributed immensely to the Second World War effort such as the Hurricane, Tempest and Typhoon.

After the Second World War, Camm moved into the sphere of jet powered aviation, contributing to the development of the Harrier, which is famous for its ability to take and land vertically without a runway. Camm was knighted in 1953 for his work and died in 1966.

To commemorate Camm’s achievements, planning permission is being sought and funds are being raised to place a full size replica Hawker Hurricane in Alexandra Gardens. It is also hoped to establish a fund to provide bursaries to young people pursuing a career in aerospace engineering.

I attended a moving memorial service for Sir Sydney Camm last year and was humbled to note Camm’s achievements and contribution to Britain’s war effort. I wish the organisers the best of luck in raising funds to commemorate this remarkable son of Windsor.