Charlie Solley

[Double Zero]

Charlie Solley R.I.P.

C.S. Has just passed away.

Draughtsman at Dunsfold Design Liaison, before that an Inspector at Dunsfold, in history serving at Christchurch ( on Mosquito’s etc then briefly working on power stations - a pattern very like my father ) ) & then Chilbolton with Follands - he did a lot as Inspector on the Gnat before coming to us on the Harrier, along with his friend and boss Dennis Warren, who among other things was involved in the Fairey Delta 2 speed runs.

Charlie tried to volunteer under age for the Navy in WW2; he eventually got his wish, and was put on Escort Carriers carrying Swordfish; he recalled to me one day that on the Murmansk convoy runs, the Swordfish with the Pegasus engine ( a strange coincidence ) they had to use the inertial starter on the way up on the lift – if the aeroplane got on deck level unstarted the wind-chill would prevent any further progress, so back down…

He was Inspector in charge of the first delivery, assembly & flight testing acceptance of Hunters to Chile, which is where he met his now widow.

I am aware this site is supposed to be for pilots – and I still know a few of them, mostly from a Test background – but surely no-one can argue people like Charlie Solley deserve a mention – we owe his kind a great deal.

[Brian Abraham]

this site is supposed to be for pilots
Thats what it may say at the entrance but you will find the Mods accomodate all who have aviation as their interest. Know nothing of Charles but with out folk of his ilk pilots would still be earthbound. As you say, we, and the broader community, owe a great deal to the likes of Charles. God Rest Sir.

[Double Zero]

Brian,

Thank You;

If it's OK with you I shall hand a copy of your reply to Charlie's widow, Magda, at the service tomorrow.

On a lighter note, I know a retired 737-400 pilot originally from your neck of the woods ( well, a Kiwi ) quite well; he sails from the same club as me, incidentally the place Charlie Solley introduced me to in 1974 when I was 12 .

Charlie later gave me a reference from the ( well funded ) BAe 'social club
as 'chief instructor' of the mainly dinghy sailing fleet when I was still a schoolboy & not even in the employ of BAe ! It may have got me a certain way but not that far, I spent most of my significant career as a technical / aerial photographer which is certainly more interesting.

I ended up in late 1992 seeing Flight Test Engineers and Designers with say 20- 40 years experience each being chucked out, so on the same scheme became a yachtmaster offshore, voluntarily in my case as I couldn't stand around and see the way gifted people were treated - it was as I have said before, like seeing an old friend ( the 'field ) with a bad illness.

If you will allow me please Mod's, my little story which certainly involves Charlies' input is at www.harrier.org.uk/history (http://www.harrier.org.uk/history) - scroll down to 'Harrier Testing'.

Charlie's service was a relatively happy event today, and Thank you Brian, I managed to read out your mail which was very much appreciated.

Andy

[John Farley]

Thank you Double Zero

As you say R.I.P.

Charlie was certainly one the key individuals at Dunsfold who over the years actually made things happen. Not for money, not for status but just because they could and wanted to do their bit.

JF

[Brian Abraham]

Andy, glad that such a small salutation you thought worthy. As is said, every time some one passes on a library burns down.