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).
Car accident involving chassis 35 EX in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 113\4\ scan0058 | |
| Date | 29th January 1937 | |
| Rolls-Royce, Ltd., DERBY............Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1002 Sr5/Crn.29.I.37. Chateauroux. - chassis 35 EX. As I informed you on the telephone this morning, whilst going down to Chateauroux yesterday, with the Ph lll, your fellows had an accident three kilometres from La{L. A. Archer} Motte-Beuvron. I gathered on the 'phone that whilst Rose was in charge, he was dazzled by the lights of an oncoming car, and did not see a couple of horses being led down the road, on the same side as the car was being driven, and the car collided with same, killing one horse, and injuring the man, who is now in hospital at Orléans. We have not yet ascertained who the Insurance Co is, but presume it is R.R. Ltd., but it is urgent that we should know, for the fly in the ointment at the present time is that the car cannot be released until the police authorities are satisfied that it is amply insured. Apart from this, it is probable that the car will be held up for a week or ten days, pending an enquiry. This in France is known as "sequestration de vehicule pour information de l'expert nommé au Tribunal". The damage to the car does not seem to be very severe, damaged wing etc., plus the steering which seems to be out of alignment. I thought it right to instruct the drivers to return to Paris, leaving Behnan, the secretary, down there in case of need. Rose, however, may be required to remain, but I do not think that this will be necessary. Kindly keep us posted of what the next move is to be here. If the parts were here, your men could build up their Bentley again. Sr. /crry P.S. Since writing this memo., we have received your wire, reading :- 35 EX INSURED WITH LLOYDS STOP AGENTS PRICE FORBES AND COMPANY KING WILLIAM STREET LONDON. Sr. /crry | ||