Arthur’s grandson has sent us a note on the design of the all synchromesh gearbox, and in particular these words on the back of the patent….
A more complete story of Arthur’s contribution is set out in Ken Day’s Fourth Edition “ALVIS – The Story of the Red Triangle” which can be ordered from the Trust.
Oliver also sent photos of a tankard commemorating the North Sea floods rescue in 1953.
“Sikorsky dragonfly helicopters were used powered by the Alvis Leonides. Anyway, my grandfather Arthur Varney who designed the engine gave me the tankard. I don’t know who or when it was given to him. Thought I’d share as the etching is beautifully rendered and it’s a fairly unique item.“
As I write this where I was evacuated from the UK east coast floods in 1953 (but by van) it is good to know Alvis was helping.
Alvis Archive 