Robert MacPherson Gillies (c1876-1955), London manager of G. and J. Weir
1955 Obituary [1]
We have learned with regret of the death, on May 25th, of Mr. Robert M. Gillies, who until his retirement in 1947 was London manager of G. and J. Weir, Ltd.
Mr. Gillies, who was seventy-nine, served his apprenticeship with John Brown and Co., Ltd., at Clydebank, and after further experience in the firm's drawing office and as assistant to the engine works manager, he was employed at Portsmouth and Devonport Dockyards, and on the Tyne, installing machinery and carrying out trials in all classes of naval ships.
During the 1914-1918 war Mr. Gillies was called to the Admiralty by Sir Thomas Bell to take charge of the engineering department for all ships except the heavy fighting ships.
Mr. Gillies joined G. and J. Weir, Ltd., as London manager in February 1919, and was well known in shipping and engineering circles. He was a member of the Institute of Marine Engineers, the Institution of Naval Architects and the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders.