From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter from lawyers acting for W. O. Bentley seeking confirmation of his role in introducing aluminium pistons for aeroplane engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\1\ scan0022 | |
| Date | 10th December 1919 | |
| Telegrams, DRUCES, FEN, LONDON. A.{Mr Adams} B. C. CODE. Telephone Avenue { 1166. 1167. DRUCES & ATTLEE. A.{Mr Adams} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} SAVILL F.{Mr Friese} DRUCE. A.{Mr Adams} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} BENTLEY. W. R.{Sir Henry Royce} CAESAR. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} SILLEM. X3774 10. Billiter Square, London, E.C.S. 10th December 1919 Dear Sir, We are acting for Mr. W. O.{Mr Oldham} Bentley in reference to his application before the Commission for an award in respect of the introduction of the aluminium piston into Aeroplane engines, and in respect of B. R.{Sir Henry Royce} 1 & B. R.{Sir Henry Royce} 2 engines. We saw Mr. Claude Johnson this morning, and we understand that he is writing to you with reference to your attending to give evidence on Mr. Bentley's behalf, before the Commission. We understand that you will be able to prove that the introduction of aluminium pistons was due to information which Mr. Bentley gave you on or about the 8th July 1915 - that aluminium pistons were not at that time to your knowledge used in Motor car engines and that Mr, Bentley then told you the result of his experience with them and gave you a sample piston for analysis, and subsequently assisted you in connection with their successful introduction into the Rolls Royce aeroplane engine - that as far as you are aware the Rolls Royce engine was the first aeroplane engine with aluminium pistons - that you reported the matter on the 8th July to Mr. Royce, and subsequently saw him, and as a result of this, these pistons were introduced in the Rolls Royce engine. We shall be much obliged if you will kindly confirm this information which we have taken from a statement made to us by Mr. Bentley and from a copy of a Memoranda from you to Mr. Claude Johnson and to Mr Royce. When replying to this letter, we shall be much obliged if you will | ||