Charles Henry Thomas Alston
Charles Henry Thomas Alston (1876-1946)
1947 Obituary [1]
CHARLES HENRY THOMAS ALSTON, who was born in 1876, received his general education at Charterhouse School, Godalming, and in Germany.
His apprenticeship was served between 1894 and 1898 with various firms, including Messrs. Sharp Stewart and Company, Ltd., of Glasgow.
After some experience as technical assistant to the chief engineer of the Luhrig Coal and Ore Dressing Appliances Company, Ltd., and as leading draughtsman in the gun mounting department of Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim, Ltd, at Barrow, he joined Messrs. Arrol Johnston and Company, of Paisley, as a journeyman fitter and was engaged for four years on experimental work in connexion with marine engines.
From 1906 to 1914 he was concerned with the design and development of reversible marine suction gas engines and producers for the Empire Engine Syndicate, Ltd., London.
During the war of 1914-18 he served in the Highland Light Infantry with the rank of lieutenant in France where he was twice wounded, and mentioned in despatches, and later was attached to the Royal Flying Corps, being finally promoted to major, R.A.F., and placed in charge of "Applied Design", in the engines section of the Air Ministry's technical department.
On demobilization in 1919 he practised for eight years on his own account as a marine engineer surveyor in London. Thereafter he devoted his attention to experimental work in connexion with small high-speed petrol and Diesel engines.
Mr. Alston had been an Associate Member of the Institution since 1920.
His death occurred at Sidmouth, South Devon, on 19th October 1946.