Local History Knowledge for Leamington Spa / Warwick 1918

[rufuslow]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this - totally - never used any forum before (I know, I'm a bit slow to adopt all this stuff ) - anyway - apologies if this is in completely the wrong place. I'm looking for some information about Leamington Spa or Warwick around the 1918 - 1920 period - I have an ancestor whose occupation is given as Labourer at Aeroplane Works and I'm trying to find out what company this might have been as I can find no reference to an Aeroplane Works in Leamington or Warwick online. Thanks anyone who can point me in the right direction.

[spendlove]

Hi,

Wondered if he may have worked in Coventy, about 10 miles away.

Lots of Car Manufacturers, just wondered if some also built planes.

This site gives lots of pictures of various factories:-

http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/

Spendlove

[rufuslow]

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that and it's probably quite possible and more likely.

[jaywit]

Have a look at this website.

http://www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk/explore.php

[rufuslow]

Thankyou    Looking at that there looks like there was quite a lot of aviation manufacturing going on in the area! Really helpful, thank you.

[zoolane]

Hi...
I think you might be interested in Frank Whittle...
I suggest that you Google him.
Born in Coventry but purchased the Leamington Valve and Piston Company and went on to develop the Turbojet Engine in Leamington.
Hope this will help.
Regards
Brenda

[zoolane]

May I add that Frank Whittles` Father had a small aero engineering company in Leamington Spa around the time you specify...
It seems that Frank used to use his Fathers` workshop!!!!
Perhaps what you are seeking may be here...Perhaps Franks Father had others working for him...
The workshop is not very large(I live in Warwick and go to Leamington quite a lot and I know where the workshop is....Send you Photos, if you like)
Brenda

[rufuslow]

Thanks Brenda, that's really interesting. I wonder if it would be more likely that my guy worked in Leamington as they were a very poor family and I imagine he would walk to any place of work - i'm sure they wouldn't have transport so Coventry  would be a bit more tricky to get to.

Would love to see photos or an address - I live nearby too.

Thanks again!

[zoolane]

Hi again.
Just spoke to a great friend of mine that used to live about half a mile from where Frank Whittles` dad had his workshop...
Tells me that offices were built on the site of the workshop and, later, houses were erected...
However, the building line is still as it was when the workshop existed.
It is situated at the back of the old Railway Public house just around the corner from Mill Road.
There is a Placque at the end of the road that gives you details about the area...
Next time I`m in Leamington I`ll see what I can find for you OK?
Brenda