1928: Sir Richard William Allen

1928: Sir Richard William Allen

 

Sir Richard William Allen (1867-1955)

43rd President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Allen was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1867. He was educated at Christ College, Finchley, and received his technical education privately. He was apprenticed for four years at the firm of his father, William Henry Allen. At the works in Lambeth, he spent time in the pattern shops, foundry, turnery, erecting shop and drawing office.

After completing his education he spent time as a draughtsman with John Elder and Co., Glasgow, and with the Naval Construction and Armaments Co., Barrow in Furness. After visiting the United States in 1890, he returned to W. H. Allen and Co. as Assistant Manager. In 1894, when the company’s works were transferred to Bedford, he became a partner and subsequently Managing Director. In 1926, on the death of his father, he became Chairman.

He was mainly concerned with the design and construction of auxiliary machinery for naval and mercantile marine vessels but was also interested in a wide variety of engineering projects on land.

He received the CBE in 1918 and was knighted in 1942.

Allen died in 1955.

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