Francis Harold Skelsey
Francis Harold Skelsey (1881-1941)
1942 Obituary [1]
FRANCIS HAROLD SKELSEY was partner in the Birmingham firm of Wansbrough and Skelsey, consulting engineers, which he, with the late Mr. W. D. Wansbrough, founded in 1911. He was chiefly concerned with the supervision of various engineering contracts, particularly in connection with mining and power plant, electrical equipment for machine tools, and mechanical handling plants. In addition he acted as technical representative for certain firms manufacturing steam and heavy-oil engines, and was resident engineer in charge of various schemes involving the installation of steam boilers and engines, Diesel plant, and mining machinery.
He was born in 1881 and, after receiving his education. at Shrewsbury School, entered the University of Liverpool. In 1902 he commenced a three years' apprenticeship which he served in various marine engineering firms in Liverpool, and after a further year's experience at sea, he joined Messrs. Mather and Platt, Ltd., as Midland Branch manager. In 1908 he was placed in charge of the contracts and sales of drop valve engines made by Messrs. Ruston, Proctor and Company, Ltd., of Lincoln, and was so engaged until the establishment of his own firm. He was responsible for supervising the installation of several steam and Diesel engines, boilers, and mining equipment; and he also carried out inspections for numerous Colonial and Continental firms.
In addition he was managing director and chief engineer of the Orion Engineering Company, makers of internal combustion engines. During the war of 1914-18 he was engaged on the production of guns, shells, and aero-engines, and held the appointment of technical engineer to a Government-controlled machine tool factory; he also acted as advisor on production problems to other similar factories.
Mr. Skelsey, whose death occurred on 13th September 1941, had been a Member of the Institution since 1923.