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).
Accident report detailing a car skidding into a ditch near Châteauroux, France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\1\ scan0476 | |
| Date | 29th April 1937 | |
| HOTEL DE FRANCE, CHATEAUROUX. Indre. France. 200a Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/7/JAB. 29th April 1937. To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 6. B. IV. We have sent you a telegram. " SCHOLES HAS SKIDDED 6.B.IV. INTO DITCH CHASSIS DAMAGED " TOO MUCH FOR FURTHER MILEAGE. WALLER INVESTIGATING " WHETHER CAR CAN RETURN UNDER ITS OWN POWER. I AM " LEAVING FOR PARIS. HANCOCK. This accident took place within four miles off Châteauroux on the La{L. A. Archer} Chartre route, just beyond Poinçonnet. There is a short straight stretch after crossing the railway, then comes a nasty double turn before entering the straight for La{L. A. Archer} Chartre. It was obvious that the speed of the car was too great upon reaching the corner. Upon the application of the brakes, one wheel skidded on wet tar, the car went onto loose chippings, and had the speed been correct for this well known curve, the car should have been controlable, as it was, it was out of control, turned left and dived down a very steep ditch, knocking down a concrete reflector sign on its way. The rear axle has been knocked back at least a foot on the N.S. The engine has gone back approximately one inch, frame looks twisted. Waller will send word of further damage and whether it can be made safe to drive back. G.H.Hancock. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||