1948: Major E William Gregson

1948: Major E William Gregson

 

Major E. William Gregson (1891-1977)

63rd President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Major William Gregson was born in 1891, in Blaina, North Monmouthshire, Wales. He attended the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, in Cardiff, and graduated with an MSc. He then served an apprenticeship at North Blaina, which was later absorbed by the Ebbw Vale Company. He later gained experience at sea, and in other branches of mechanical engineering.

In the First World War he served with the Royal Engineers. At one point he was involved with the Channel Ferries. After the war, in 1920, he joined Spencer-Bonecourt Ltd. as Chief Engineer. This firm was absorbed into the Babcock and Wilcox Group in 1927. At this point, Gregson became joint head of the marine department of Babcock and Wilcox, taking sole control at a later date.

He was mainly involved with the development of modern steam plant at sea, including the development of mechanical stoking and oil-firing equipment.

He was also a member of the Founders Company, a Freeman of the City of London, and a Derby Cold Medallist of the Liverpool Engineering Society. He was a well-known rugby player in his youth.

He died in 1977.

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