CHOCKS
CHOCKS
I recently came across an obscure reference to Thomas Henry Chock, the inventor of the aircraft chock.
In the early days of aviation, before aircraft had brakes, the pioneers used various ways of restraining their aircraft when testing engines. S.F. Cody, who was the first man to make a sustained powered flight in Britain, used to secure his aircraft to a tree on Farnborough Common. A replica of the tree still exists at Farnborough.
T. H. Chock was apparently a large man employed by Thomas ( later Sir Thomas ) Sopwith as a handyman at his early aircraft works. His main duty was to lie in front of the wheels of aircraft while their engines were being run. This was particularly unpleasant, as not only was he lying on the ground, but he was being showered in castor oil from the early rotary engines, which upset his stomach.
He came up with the idea of using a triangular wedge to do the job, but had not the foresight to patent the invention before telling Sopwith about it. Had he done so he and his descendants would have received huge amounts of royalties from what must be one of the most widely used devices in aviation.
As it was, he got nothing, and of course, lost his job.
Next week, the story of the chinese Tro Lee Ak, who came up with a portable ground power source for aircraft, only to be put out of business by the invention of his two cousins, Hoo Tzin and Pee Yee Set.
In the early days of aviation, before aircraft had brakes, the pioneers used various ways of restraining their aircraft when testing engines. S.F. Cody, who was the first man to make a sustained powered flight in Britain, used to secure his aircraft to a tree on Farnborough Common. A replica of the tree still exists at Farnborough.
T. H. Chock was apparently a large man employed by Thomas ( later Sir Thomas ) Sopwith as a handyman at his early aircraft works. His main duty was to lie in front of the wheels of aircraft while their engines were being run. This was particularly unpleasant, as not only was he lying on the ground, but he was being showered in castor oil from the early rotary engines, which upset his stomach.
He came up with the idea of using a triangular wedge to do the job, but had not the foresight to patent the invention before telling Sopwith about it. Had he done so he and his descendants would have received huge amounts of royalties from what must be one of the most widely used devices in aviation.
As it was, he got nothing, and of course, lost his job.
Next week, the story of the chinese Tro Lee Ak, who came up with a portable ground power source for aircraft, only to be put out of business by the invention of his two cousins, Hoo Tzin and Pee Yee Set.
Actually another word came in to the British Lexicon as a result of the miserable experiences of the famous Thomas Henry.
Upon inventing the device and finally getting rid of his miserable station in Sopwiths , as you say Sir Tom rewarded him by showing him the door.
Thomas Henry's extreme remarks to Sir Tom during this interlude resulted even today with somebody being described as absolutely "Chocker" at such a type of treatment.
Upon inventing the device and finally getting rid of his miserable station in Sopwiths , as you say Sir Tom rewarded him by showing him the door.
Thomas Henry's extreme remarks to Sir Tom during this interlude resulted even today with somebody being described as absolutely "Chocker" at such a type of treatment.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Over the hill (and far away)
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oxe
Fascinating historical insight. Brings to mind the much quoted, but sadly underrated, PR Spitfire pilot Bert Sodd. He observed over time that many significant recce targets were lcoated in the corner of a map, necessitating sticking together four maps to facilitate appropriate mission planning. This observation became known universally as "Sodds Law".
An interesting footnote is that Bert, being a canny Lancashire lad, went on after surviving the war to producing a range of adhesives suitable for sticking paper maps together; notably "gorilla snot" and masking tape. Sadly Bert had an early demise after becoming too fond of testing the stength of the GS by frequent inhalation. No one is certain where the small fortune that he accumulated ended up (but it is thought that a wayward nephew spirited it away to manufacture paper bags...)
Mister B
Fascinating historical insight. Brings to mind the much quoted, but sadly underrated, PR Spitfire pilot Bert Sodd. He observed over time that many significant recce targets were lcoated in the corner of a map, necessitating sticking together four maps to facilitate appropriate mission planning. This observation became known universally as "Sodds Law".
An interesting footnote is that Bert, being a canny Lancashire lad, went on after surviving the war to producing a range of adhesives suitable for sticking paper maps together; notably "gorilla snot" and masking tape. Sadly Bert had an early demise after becoming too fond of testing the stength of the GS by frequent inhalation. No one is certain where the small fortune that he accumulated ended up (but it is thought that a wayward nephew spirited it away to manufacture paper bags...)
Mister B
Interesting comment comment HTB on Albert Sodd.
I heard that it was not sniffing the "Gorilla Snot" that carried him away , but rather inhaling a spray designed specifically for the use of the Photographic Interpreters of his product.
As a result of his premature demise this spray product was almost unknown , very few tins actually reaching front-line units.
I would be very grateful indeed if the formula for this product could be rediscovered , as it was often cried out for earnestly, to no avail, in critical moments of analysis.
Anybody who has a left-over spray-can of "Sodding Cloud Remover" could make a fortune by putting it back into production.
N.B. This is not the same product as "Sodd 'All Cloud' Remover", which was normally issued and available.
I heard that it was not sniffing the "Gorilla Snot" that carried him away , but rather inhaling a spray designed specifically for the use of the Photographic Interpreters of his product.
As a result of his premature demise this spray product was almost unknown , very few tins actually reaching front-line units.
I would be very grateful indeed if the formula for this product could be rediscovered , as it was often cried out for earnestly, to no avail, in critical moments of analysis.
Anybody who has a left-over spray-can of "Sodding Cloud Remover" could make a fortune by putting it back into production.
N.B. This is not the same product as "Sodd 'All Cloud' Remover", which was normally issued and available.
Last edited by Haraka; 5th May 2014 at 13:01.
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: raf
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A replica of the tree still exists at Farnborough.
Typical. I wouldn't believe all you see at Farnborough. There used to be a plinth in the garden in front of the RAF Officers' Mess saying that this was where Cody took off on his first flight.
Can't see how he managed to clear the fence myself.
Can't see how he managed to clear the fence myself.
That was the Plinth of Darkness, put in place after someone sung "One day my Plinth will come"
Or the P.I.s prayer
"Some day my Prints will come",
When they eventually do arrive - they come in an envelope upon which is boldy stated "Photographs- Do Not Bend"
..
.
.
.
.
After which is scrawled
.
.
Oh yes they do!!!!
"Some day my Prints will come",
When they eventually do arrive - they come in an envelope upon which is boldy stated "Photographs- Do Not Bend"
..
.
.
.
.
After which is scrawled
.
.
Oh yes they do!!!!
Actually, Pete.......
.......it wasn't Pee Yee Set (although it could have been in Singapore?).
The PE set was a crew on 206 captained by a seriously unpleasant chap who did rather well for himself.
The Ancient Pariner
The PE set was a crew on 206 captained by a seriously unpleasant chap who did rather well for himself.
The Ancient Pariner
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Perth - Western Australia
Age: 75
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It appears obvious that now that this interesting thread has started, that we need to uncover more of these unsung heroes; these pioneers of early aviation.
I'm not sure if many know how much of an impact one particular French fellow of WW1 had on aviation. His name was Givver De Gun.
He became so famous for his daring exploits, he would have fellow aviators gather around his aircraft as he readied for takeoff, with them all calling out his name in excitement and encouragement.
Even today, long after his demise, it's not unusual to hear other aviators still call out his name in excitement, when any sporty aircraft commences its takeoff run.
I'm not sure if many know how much of an impact one particular French fellow of WW1 had on aviation. His name was Givver De Gun.
He became so famous for his daring exploits, he would have fellow aviators gather around his aircraft as he readied for takeoff, with them all calling out his name in excitement and encouragement.
Even today, long after his demise, it's not unusual to hear other aviators still call out his name in excitement, when any sporty aircraft commences its takeoff run.
T. Yupp was the deliverer of the dark brown hot brew in 1/2 pint mugs, on the hour every hour, at Main Met. Office 1 Group Bawtry.
We suffered from Bawtry bladder and I still do.
We suffered from Bawtry bladder and I still do.
Last edited by langleybaston; 6th May 2014 at 09:40. Reason: error of omission
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: lincolnshire
Age: 67
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Then of course the famous Yorkshire inventor who unfortunately was cursed with a severe stutter. Thomas Ack Ack Ackroyd who invented the feared anti aircraft gun in 1900 just in case those dammed yanks invention ever did get airborne
I'll get me coat and tin of gorilla snot
I'll get me coat and tin of gorilla snot
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Back in the NorthWest
Age: 77
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And don't forget the early lady engineer, Miss Schilling (SP?) who designed an important improvement in aircraft fuel injection systems - and had to live with its common name for the rest of her career - Miss Schillings orifice!
Perfectly true.
Perfectly true.