Horace Percival Smith ( -1954), manager of the experimental department of Rolls-Royce
1954 Obituary [1]
WE record with regret the death of Mr. H. P. Smith, manager of the experimental department of Rolls-Royce, Ltd., Derby, which occurred on June 3rd.
Mr. Smith had completed forty-three years' service with Rolls-Royce, Ltd., which he joined as an office-boy in 1911. In the following year he became an apprentice fitter, working in the chassis test department.
During the first world war, Mr. Smith was employed in the engine test department on "Falcon" and "Eagle" engines, the first aero-engines to be made by Rolls-Royce, Ltd.
At the end of the first world war, Mr. Smith transferred to the experimental department, being promoted to the position of manager in 1936.
During the second world war, Mr. Smith was responsible for the manufacture of all the Rolls-Royce prototype aero-engines as well as the "Meteor" tank engine.
In addition, he had charge of the firm's experimental establishment at Barnoldswick, Lancashire.