Abstract
Sir Frederick Henry Royce, OBE, was a modest genius who always referred to himself as “mechanic”. From 1884 and his earliest successes in the infant electrical industry (he patented the bayonet light fitting), to his death in 1933, he uncompromisingly pursued his principle of establishing the best design and using the finest materials available worked to the highest level of craftsmanship.
His constant policy as an engineer was to do better than anyone else. He made a priceless contribution to Britain’s prestige and prosperity in the years of peace with a long succession of superb motor cars from 1904, and to its security in time of war with a great series of aero engines. From the Eagle of 1915, to the iconic Merlin which powered the Mosquito, Spitfire, Wellington and other fighting planes of World War ll.
