Thomas S. Thorpe
Thomas S. Thorpe (1873- )
1922 A.M.I.Mech.E., Mechanical and Marine Engineer, 93, London Road, Retford, Notts, England. b. 1873; s. of Edward Smyth Thorpe, vicar of Goring, Sussex; m. 1907, Mary Gertrude Gage of Lowestoft. Ed. St. Thomas's College, Canterbury. Forth Bridge Works, Queensferry, N.B., and Denny and Co., Dumbarton, engineers and shipbuilders; also J. and G. Thomson's, Clydebank. Obtained entry into Dumbarton Drawing Office by open competition. December, 1897, joined Walker, Sons and Co., Colombo, and was engaged in marine repairs and salvage operation on Ceylon coast until 1903. 1904—Became Chief Engineer and Works Manager for Walker, Sons and Co.'s Workshops in Colombo, general engineering works, foundry and slipway; engaged in engine and boiler repairs, factory building, launch and barge construction, making of tea and coffee machinery. In 1910 joined Marshall Sons, Gainsborough, engaged in perfecting and improving tea machinery in India, Java and Sumatra, and tabulating information regarding same until 1915, 1916—Acting Manager, Marshall Sons, Calcutta office. 1917—Returned to Gainsborough, assisted in tank construction. Now Expert Tea Machinery Engineer and designer to Marshall's, Gainsborough, leading tea machine builders. Chief Works: Successful salvage of s.s. Trowbridge, struck Komari Ridge, April 8, 1907; refloated, April 2I, 190 7; docked in Colombo, April 23, 190 7; also s.s. Clan McLean Galle, 1902, docked in Calcutta; improvements in tea machinery and manufacture. Corporal, C.M.R.; Corporal, A.V.L.H. Member of Dibrugarh Club, Assam. War Services.—Assisting in tank construction.