Cecil Willoughby James Taffs
Cecil Willoughby James Taffs (c1891-1962)
1962 Obituary [1]
Mr C. W. J. Taffs was educated at the City and Guilds Engineering College, London, where he obtained a first class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He obtained his practical training at the Cleveland Bridge Co. and the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. After a time as Senior Demonstrator at the City and Guild's Engineering College, he became Technical Assistant to Railless Ltd.
In 1921 he was appointed Research Assistant at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and became Editor and Secretary of the Marine Oil Engine Trials Committee being responsible for supervision of the trials and the drafting of the six reports issued between 1924 and 1930. He was awarded the degree of M.Sc.(Eng.)(Lond.) for a thesis based on these reports. From that time he was particularly concerned with the work of the Publications and Library; Inventions and Research Advisory; and other committees of the Institution.
In 1941 he was appointed Assistant Secretary. He retired from this position in 1951 after nearly 30 years service with the Institution. For a short time he was Secretary of the Diesel Engineers and Users Association.
Mr Taffs was elected an Associate Member in 1921 and transferred to Member in 1939. Some years before the 1939-45 war he qualified as a Barrister-at-Law.
He was a man of great humanity, combined with a wide knowledge of men and their affairs. Many members will remember him with affection for his wise counsel and friendly approach.