Description

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The collection of images in this book portray the presence of Rolls-Royce in Crewe from the heady days just prior to the Second World War. It was decided then that a factory to manufacture desperately needed Merlin aero engines to power Spitfires and Hurricanes in the defence of these islands would be erected in the town. Images of both production and destruction chart the progress of the struggle with fascism until peace was won, allowing normal life to begin again. It was then that RR made the decision to turn the Pym's Lane factory away from armaments and concentrate all car production in the town, so the rest of the images show the many differing marques of the cars that bore the iconic RR logo along with the winged 'B' of the various Bentley models that were manufactured in south Cheshire. Many of the photographs that illustrate the production methods and machines in this volume have not been available to the general public, making it an interesting and informative read. The book closes with a long chapter concerned with the people and activities associated with the proud history of Bentley and Rolls-Royce in Crewe until the sad day when the marques divided leaving Bentley as the sole yet worthy owner of the Pym's Lane factory.

About the Author

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Peter Ollerhead runs Copnall Books on Meredith Street. He has written two other books on Crewe, and is a well-known figure in the area. After serving his apprenticeship at Rolls Royce from 1952 to 1958 Peter Ollerhead continued his employment there until he left in the mid '60s to pursue a career in teaching from which he has since retired. A local broadcaster and keen historian he is Chair of the Crewe and District Local History Association and Secretary of Crewe Local History Society.Fellow author Tony Flood is a retired a retired Rolls Royce Quality Engineer and a member of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club.