1941: Following a Ministry of Home Security circular on the carrying of gas masks, a Mrs Mellows organised four lectures aimed principally at housewives of active servicemen, on how to handle a gas situation. The second talk was held on this day. Each lecture covered: latest information about gas attacks; first aid for gas casualties; how to protect yourself and dealing with incendiary bombs and fires. All lectures were very well attended. (Gray, David, Peterborough at War 1939-1945, David Gray, 2011)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.
Perkins engineering was founded in a small office in Peterborough in 1932. It was founded by two men, Frank Perkins and Charles Chapman; Frank a superlative salesman and Charles an engineering genius. Their focus was on the diesel engine and their belief that it could revolutionise the motor industry with high performance and low running costs. Peterborough was the perfect place to start the business as it had excellent transport links and so could ensure rapid delivery of products.
Its first high-speed diesel engine was the 4 cylinder Vixen followed by the more powerful version, the Wolf. With its success in the motor industry it expanded into the agricultural industry.
During the Second World War Perkins was instrumental n its production of diesel engines for the war effort.
In 1947, production was moved to the Eastfield site in Peterborough.
References:
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Image:
Perkins 4.236 diesel engine, introduced in the early 1960s - on display in Peterborough Museum
Perkins engineering was founded in a small office in Peterborough in 193…