1953 Who's Who in the Motor Industry: Persons O

Note: This is a sub-section of 1953 Who's Who in the Motor Industry

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OAKLEY, Tom Hubert. Advertising Manager, Humber, Hillman and Sunbeam-Talbot Companies. Born Breaston 1890. Educated at Derby. In 1904 joined Eastwood Swingler, Derby, then Iron and Steel Manufacturers and Bridge Builders. In 1911 joined Commer Cars Ltd. of Luton and in 1929 moved to Devonshire House. Recreations: Gardening and Cricket. Private Address: Peveril, 27, South Avenue, Stoke Park, Coventry. Telephone: 60122.

O'BRIEN, Edward Donough. Public Relations Counsel (Advisory), Rootes Group, London, W.I. Born Punjab, 21st November, 1909. Educated Stowe School and Exeter College, Oxford where became President of the Oxford Union. Held positions as Joint Editor, " Peterborough," " The Daily Telegraph." Director of Press and Receptions Division, British Council. Director Information Services, Conservative & Unionist Central Office. Interests : Shooting and Fishing. Private Address: 9, Wellington Square, London, S.W.3. Telephone: Sloane 7022.

O'DONNELL, Terence Patrick, A.14I.I.E.E., A.M.INST.T. Managing Engineer, The Mexborough and Swinton Traction Co., Rawmarsh. Born Shepherds Bush, London, 26th June, 1909. Educated at Battersea Polytechnic, London and Birmingham. After early training in Tram and Trolley Vehicle manufacture and maintenance, appointed Technical assistant to London Tramways Companies, which later merged into the London Passenger Transport Board. Progressed with the Board to Technical assistant Special Grade. In June, 1946 obtained appointment as Assistant Managing Engineer to The Mexborough and Swinton Traction Co., taking up present position in 1947. Interests : Gardening and Photography. Private Address: 4, Hereford Villas, Clough Road, Rotherham. Telephone: 4062.

O'FLAHERTY, Stephen. Managing Director, Motor Distributors Ltd., 162, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Telephone: 69651. Born September, 1902. Is also Chairman of Monsell Mitchell & Co. Ltd., Dublin. Appointed to present position, 1946. Private Address: Newpark Lodge, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. Telephone: 82620.

OGDEN, William Henry. Branch Manager, Edmunds Walker & Co. Ltd., Edinburgh, 2. Born Manchester, June 3oth, 1901. Educated Varna Street Secondary School, Manchester. Received Technical training W. G. Armstrong Whitworth & Co. Ltd., Manchester. Joined Leo Swain & Co. Ltd., in 1919, transferring to their Liverpool branch as Assistant Manager, 1922. Promoted Manager, 1924. Left for West Africa 1926 to take appointment with Miller Motors Ltd. Returned 1928 to Leo Swain & Co. Ltd., Liverpool. Took up present position 193o. Recreations : Golf and Swimming. Private Address: 16, Manor Place, Edinburgh, 3.

OLDBURY, Cecil, m.r.m.i. Proprietor, Wheel Garage and Oldbury's Garage, Penzance. Born Southport, 16th October, 1903. Educated at Hales School, and in 1917 became an apprentice. Commenced business on own account in 1930 at The Wheel Garage with one boy as apprentice, and garage space to hold 6 cars. Continued to extend business in 1938 building modern garage and service station accommodating 6o cars, and staffed by 19. In 1946 opened a further branch trading as Oldbury's Garage. Outside interests : Motor Rallies, Gardening and Fishing. Clubs : Life Member A.A., S.T.O., B.T.D.A. and M.C. Married, 1928; 2 daughters. Private Address: Aethelwyn, Prah Sands, Penzance, Cornwall. Telephone: Germoe 2113.

OLIVER, Alexander Henry William. Divisional Manager (South Midlands Div.) The Marsham Tyre Co. Ltd., Reading. Born London, 9th September, 1903. Educated Alleyn's, Dulwich, receiving technical training London University. Business training with Institute of Transport and with Thos. Cook & Son Ltd. (London and France). With Imperial Tobacco Co. of India 1924-1928, during which time served as Lieut. 8th Gurkha Rifles (A.I.R.O.). First connected with the Motor Industry 1929 as Regional Manager for Michelin Tyre Co. Ltd. In 1934 joined British Tyre and Rubber Co. Ltd., leaving to join present firm as Area Manager (Hull and East Riding) in 1938; taking up present position 1946. Served during the war, with R.A.F. as Flt. /Lieut. in Britain and West Africa. Interests : Local Government, has been Member of various committees connected therewith. Recreations : Golf, Fly Fishing and Gardening. Married; one son, one daughter. Private Address: 354, Wokingham Road, Earley. Telephone: Reading 61706.

OLIVER, Christopher Sibley, M.I.MECH.E. Chairman and Managing Director, Rotherham & Sons Ltd., Coventry. Born Rastrick, 1891. Educated Sedbergh School. First connected with the Motor Industry 1921 as Works Manager, Humber Ltd., Coventry, later taking up position as General Works Manager, Humber-Hillman-Commer Group. Left to join Armstrong Siddeley Motors Ltd., in 1939 as Director and General Manager. Took up present position in 1944. Private Address: 17, Warwick Avenue, Coventry. Telephone: 2945.

OLIVER, Reginald Clive, A.M.i.m.r. Agency Manager, Premier Motor Policies Ltd., Aldwych, W.C.2. Born London, 13th February, 1901. Educated Mercers School receiving technical instruction at the Regent Street Polytechnic. Apprenticed in 1916 to D. Napier & Sons, Acton. Served LO years with Imperial Cadet Yeomanry. In 1922 joined Comptometer Company (Herbert & Robbins) and in 1923 joined Premier Motor Policies Ltd., as Inspector, opening new Kent office for Company at Canterbury in 1930. Appointed Branch Manager, 1936 and Hon. Secretary Insurance Institute of Kent. For ten years Member of the Council of Kent Institute. In 1945 appointed as London Agency Manager taking up present position in 1947. Married. Voluntary Ambulance Officer in command of detachment Red Cross and St. Johns during war. Member of B.R.C.S. (Commandant). Clubs: East Kent and Canterbury. Member since inception (1928) of the Order of the Road; and British Automobile Racing Club. Private Address: " Rosemary," 5, Kingsdown Park, Tankerton. Telephone: Whitstable 2575.

OLLERHEAD, Sidney, F.I.M.I. Proprietor of Garage business in own name, Bebington. Born Bebington, 18th February, 1897. Educated at Birkenhead. Became apprentice in 1911 with Armstrong Whitworth & Co. Ltd. Served in Royal Flying Corps. during ist World War and in R.A.S.C. in 2nd. Interests : Social Service. Recreation : Golf. Private Address: l 1, Princes Boulevard, Bebington, Cheshire. Telephone: Rock Ferry 1660.

OLORENSHAW, Francis Henry, F.I.M.I. Managing Director, Norwich Motor Co. Ltd., Norwich. Born Norwich, i6th November, 1896. Educated at City of Norwich School and Norwich City College. Apprenticed 1912-16 with Mann Egerton & Co. Ltd., Norwich, afterwards joining staff of Experimental Design Dept. and finally becoming Assistant Manager, Ford Depot. In 1920 appointed Manager Johnstons of Harleston Ltd. and in 1922 became Manager of H. E. Hall & Co., Norwich. Left in 1932 to take up present appointment. Is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers. Has been closely associated with M.A.A. and I.M.I. for many years and has served as Chairman of many Committees. Is a Member of Rotary, of Veteran Car Club, and of Executive Committee of National Publicity Association. Interests : Trade Associations, Sailing and Veteran Cars. Private Address: 2, Town Close Road, Norwich. Telephone: 25314.

OLSWANG, Harold, m.i.m.i. Managing Director, Olswangs Garage Ltd., Sunderland. Born Sunderland, 13th August, 1907. Educated at Bede Collegiate School, Sunderland; Archbishops Holgate Grammar School, York. In 1923 became an apprenticed Motor Mechanic with Grimshaw Leather & Co. Ltd. Opened own Garage in Sunderland in 1929, extended premises in 1937 and incorporated the business of D. & J. Motors Ltd. with Harold Olswang's under the name Olswangs Garage Ltd., in 1939. At outbreak of war the Hylton Road premises were requisitioned by the N.F.S. Served as Special Constable during the war. President of Sunderland Hebrew Congregation, 1948-51. Recreations: Golf, Cricket and Badminton. Private Address: 5, Victoria Avenue, Grangetown, Sunderland. Telephone: 56655.

O'NEILL, John Joseph. Director, John O'Neill Ltd., Dublin. Born Dublin, 3oth January, 1907. Educated Clongowes Wood College. Took up present position, 1924. Private Address: 25, Braemor Park, Orwell Road, Rathgar. Telephone: 905489.

ORGAN, Andrew Fuller. General Sales Manager, Nuffield Organization, Cowley, Oxford. Born Oxford, 15th June, 1893. Educated Bedford House, Oxford. Joined Morris Motors Ltd. (then W. R. M. Motors) Cowley in 1914. Served during the 1914 war with the Oxfordshire Hussars in France, transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, in 1915. Taken Prisoner-of-War in Germany, 1916 and released on cessation of hostilities in 1919. Re-joined Morris Motors Ltd., 1919, taking up present position in 1938. Recreations : Golf, Riding and Shooting. Private Address: Broomwood, Boars Hill, Oxford. Telephone: 85 08.

ORIEL, John Augustus, C.B.E., M.C., B.SC., F.R.I.C., M.I.CHEM.E., F.INST.F., F.INST. PET. Director, W. J. Fraser, Chemical Engineers, Dagenham. Formerly General Manager and Chief Chemist (1940-48), Shell Refining & Marketing Co. Born Dowlais, 17th June, 1896. Educated Merthyr Tydfil County School, Cardiff University College and Jesus College, Cambridge. First connected with the Motor Industry as Chemist in 1921 after serving in France and India during Great War (wounded three times and awarded Military Cross). Joined the Shell Company in which he has remained successively as Chemist, Manager of their Suez Refinery, becoming General Manager of Shell " Refining and Marketing Company and Chief Chemist. Held last two posts jointly from 1940-1948. During the last war was closely connected with many Government activities for the Petroleum products and was a leading member of the C.I.G.S. teams which went to France and Germany towards the end of the war. His career with Shell ended abruptly in 1949, when blindness as a result of Mustard gas in the First World War necessitated his working in a consultative capacity in the Shell Group. He has recently joined the Board of W. J. Fraser, Chemical Engineers, Dagenham. Recreation : Gardening. Private Address: Ford Manor, Temple Guiting, Glos. Telephone: Stanton 257.

ORR, John Hewitt, M.I.B.E. Works Manager, Carbodies Limited, Coventry. Born Newcastle-on-Tyne, 23rd January, 1904. Educated at Technical College, N-o-T. Apprenticeship served with Armstrong Whitworth Co. Ltd. Joined staff of George and Jobling, Motor Body Engineers. Took up present position in 1940. Recreations : Fishing, Shooting and Motoring. Private Address: 89, Evenlode Crescent, Coventry. Telephone: 6196o.

ORR, William Charles Edward. Works Manager, Jaguar Cars Ltd., Coventry. Born Coventry, 26th June, 1902. Educated at Bablake School, Coventry. Became a junior draughtsman, 1916 with Standard Motor Co., afterwards engaged in Experimental Engine Dept. (in charge) and on Production of Engines (in charge). For two years with Armstrong Siddeley on Tank Engines. Experience with Jaguar's covered Body Building, Painting, Assembling, Engine Production and Machine Shop. Private Address: 198, Coventry Road, Exhall, Coventry. Telephone: Bedworth 2194.

OSBORNE, George. Governing Director, George Osborne Ltd., Herne Hill, S.E.24. Born Kirby Kane, 17th February, 1889. Entered the Motor Industry in days of Tube ignition and Belt drive motor cars. Indentured apprentice with Anglian Motor Co. of Beccles and London in 1905. Served in Army workshops overseas during 1914 war. Started business in own name, 1921 forming into Limited company 1928. Recreations : Yachting, Fishing and Gardening. Private Address: 1o, Haredale Road, Herne Hill, London S.E.24. Telephone: Brizton 3419.

OSCROFT, Garnet Scotton, M.B.E., F.I.M.I., M.INST.B.E. Governing Director, G. S. Oscroft & Co. Ltd., Nottingham. Born Nottingham, 13th September, 1882. Educated at Peoples College and Nottingham University. Became a junior salesman, 1901.. Depot Manager, Raleigh Cycle Co., Derby. Manager, Portland Motor Co., Mansfield.. Dept. Manager, A. R. Atkey & Co., Nottingham. Founded own business, 1923. Served during war as Capt. i 1th V.B. Sherwood Foresters. Ex-Chairman, East Midland Division, M.T.A. Married; one son. Interests: Rowing, Football and Cricket. Member of Committee, Notts Forest F.C. Private Address: Bentinck House, 35, Priory Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. Telephone: 88312.

OSLER, James Bell, O.B.E., F.R.S.A., M.I.MECH.E., M.I.I.T., M.S.A.E., F.I.M.I., M.I.R.T.E. Managing Director, Express Motor & Body Works Ltd., E.C.I. Born Coupar Angus, 6th July, 1889. Educated at Dundee High School and studied Engineering at Glasgow Royal Technical College. In 1906 became apprenticed with Albion, Motors Ltd., Scotstoun. Served with commission in R.A.S.C., 1914, becoming workshop officer. Awarded O.B.E., Mil. Demobilised 1919. Appointed Chief Engineer Carter Paterson's in 1919, leaving them in 1946 to join Garlick, Burrell & Edwards, Liverpool as Sales and Service Manager. Was member of London Aircraft Production Group Committee, 1940/5. Chairman, Electric Vehicle Committee, G.B., 1930/7. President Federation of Vehicle Trades,. 1942/5. Chairman, Goods & Utility Body Builders Section, S.M.M. & T., 1941. Member of Council, Institute of Transport, 1928. Member of Council, I.A.E., 1914. Member of Cold Chain Mission to U.S.A., 1950. Is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers. Clubs : Lyceum, Liverpool, Royal Liverpool Golf. Married, 1920; one son. Interests : Philately and Rotary. Recreation : Shooting: and Golf. Private Address: 3, Seward Street, E.C. 1. Telephone: Clerkenwell 3515.

OTTAWAY, William Robert Henry, A.S.A.A. Director and Secretary, Wingard (M.A.) Ltd., Chichester. Born Essex, 3oth July, 1907. Educated in Cheshire and London, on leaving School entered the Accountancy profession, gaining experience over a period of 18 years. Qualified in 1939. Joined present firm in 1943, as secretary. Was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1946. Recreation : Sea Angling. Is Chairman of Bognor Regis Amateur Angling Society. Clubs : Chichester Rotary and Dell Quay Sailing. Private Address: Seaward, Birdham Road,. Apuldram, Chichester. Telephone: Chichester340 .

OUBRIDGE, Victor William, B.A.(ENG.), A.M.I.MECH.E. Managing Director, The British Piston Ring Company Ltd., Coventry. Born Coventry, 2nd April, 1913. Educated at Oundle School and Jesus College, Cambridge. First connected with the Motor Industry in 1935, as Technical Assistant to Managing Director of the above firm, taking up present position in 1940. Is also a Director of Bri•covmo Ltd., British Aero Components Ltd., and Associated Engineering Holdings Ltd. Is a Founder Member British Institute of Management. Recreations : Fishing and Golf. Private Address: Wasperton House, Warwick. Telephone: Barford 264.

OVERTON, Robert Clifton Hills. Director, Mann and Overton Ltd., S.W.6. Born Sutton, 12th February, 1908. Educated .at Bradfield College, also spending a time in France to learn the language, subsequently trained with accountants. Became Works Director to Hills Chapman Ltd., leaving to take up present position in 1934. His father was a pioneer in the Motor trade, and won his first .cups for racing 1903;4. During the last war was F/Lt. R.A.F. Married, 1934; one son, .one daughter. Recreations : Ski-ing, Tennis, Gardening. Private Address: 27, The Green, Ewell, Surrey.

OWEN, Alfred George Beech, o.B.E., J.P. Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Rubery, Owen and Co. Ltd., Darlaston. Born Streetly, 1908. Educated at Lickey Hills School, Oundle and Cambridge University. 'Took over control of the above firm at 21 years of age upon the death of his father, the late A. E. Owen. Is Chairman of the Owen .Organisation, British Racing Motors Ltd. and also Chairman of Council of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. Married, 1932, E. K. G. McMullan, 'daughter of Capt. A. McMullan; 3 sons, 3 daughters. Outside interests include Municipal affairs, and Public Service. Is Member of Darlaston Urban District Council. County Councillor and Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, 1951-52. _Private Address: The Highway, New Hall Drive, Sutton Goldfield. Telephone: 1396.

OWEN, Ernest William Beech. Joint Managing Director, Rubcry, Owen & .Co. Ltd., Darlaston. Born Streetly, 191o. Educated Lickey Hills School, Oundle and Loughborough College. Took up present position in 1929. Outside interests : Municipal affairs, Farming. Recreations : Shooting and Fishing. Private Address: Silver Birches, Keepers Road, Little Aston, Streetly. Telephone: 7103.

OWEN, George Strange. Engineering Consultant and Inventor, 39, Richmond Avenue, Merton Park, S.W.2o. Telephone: Liberty 5165. Born Stepney, 1880. After serving apprenticeship with Marine Engineers, engaged successively by Western Electric Co., Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co., General Electric Co., Mullard Radio Valve Co., Wilkinson Sword Co. In 1910 became Foreman, Cheyne Garage & Engineering Co. Ltd., Chelsea and afterwards traded as the Odell Motor Works, Chelsea. Invented and patented various I.C.E. components, including Pistons. Became Technical Superintendent, Wimbledon Technical College. Joined staff of Engineering Dept., Fraser & Ellis, Ltd. but left on account of serious illness. When partially recovered engaged on model and experimental work, producing reproductions of antiques and designing novelties. One of the first to achieve 6o m.p.h. on Brooklands track with a Model "T" Ford chassis, with Facile Carburettor. Was first to reduce Ford Model "T" track by dins. for service on rickshaw roads in India. Inventions include : Self-steering tow bar for disabled Cars. Tow home wheel adaptor for cases of broken axle shafts, auto plug cleaning device and many others. Interests : Model Engineering, Horology, and Antique Craftsmanship. Address: as above.

OWEN, Rowland Thomas. Proprietor, New Garage, Holland Arms, Anglesey. Born Rhostrehwfa, 1897. Educated at Llangefni. First connected with the Industry as assistant to H. Roberts, Engineers, Llangefni in 1911. During the 1914-18 war served with R.W.F. 2nd Bn. Spent a short time as chauffeur to Lord David Davies. Joined George Heath, Birmingham in 1921. Worked with Holyhead Motor Co. until opening above business on own account in 1926. Interests : Collecting Hand-made Silverware, Lustre-ware and Brasses. Recreation: Shooting. Private Address: Bryn Teg, Holland Arms, Anglesey. Telephone: Gaerwen 4o.

OXLEY, Sidney Alfred. Divisional Manager, Marsham Tyre Co. Ltd., Birmingham. Born Brixton, July 31st 1892. Educated at Dulwich College. Entered the Motor Tyre Industry in 1913, joining the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co., in that year (when they opened up their premises in this country in Kingsway, London) as Assistant Accountant. Received various promotions becoming Cashier, Credit Manager, Service Manager and finally being transferred in 1928 from London to their new factory in Wolverhampton, and appointed representative covering Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire. In 1930 won the coveted title of Master Salesman for the whole of Great Britain. At the end of 1934 resigned post to take up present position in 1935, controlling branches at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Coventry and Wolverhampton. Recreation : Roller Skating (once placed 3rd in British Championship). Private Address: 6, Ivy Road, Sutton Coldfield. Telephone: 4795.

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