discussion Sopwiths Kingston Empire

[Guest]

I have no idea why this article is on a tech news site, but it was a fascinating read none the less which may be of interest for some of you:

http://m.theregister.co.uk/2014/10/24/geeks_guide_sopwith/

 

[colin m]

Thanks Mike, nice bit of history.

 

[Guest]

Fascinating Mike caught my eye due to the Kingston bit. I did not know that Sopwith factory was in this neck of the woods.

I went to school in Kingston in the fifties. At that time Hawkers were at the top of their game.

And talking of games they used to hold the Surrey Cricket Festival in their grounds at Ham. As a youngster of about 12-14 i uses to have a day out watching all the great Surrey cricketers of the time.

A number of our neighbours used to work at Hawkers who were big employers in that area.

During WW11 this area belt of Kingston Surbiton and Tolworth was targeted as they all included, Hawkers, KLG Plugs, Davis Submarine, Marconi and many others.

Last time I went by Hawkers old place it was still standing. With progress it may not be now. also of interest as not far down the road is the Poppy making place (or it was)

Laurie

 

[PaulTRose]

thats an interesting read, learnt a few things there

i misread the title.....thought it said Klingon Empire