Norman Earll (1907-1963)

NORMAN Courtney Earll was works manager and director of Aveling Barford during the 1950s & early 1960s.

Born in Rochester, Kent, he started as an apprentice turner with Aveling and Porter in him home town.

As a skilled tradesman, he became a toolroom fitter, and following the company’s transfer to Grantham in the mid-1930s he joined the newly formed Aveling Barford  in the same capacity.

After joining the inspection department, he moved to the tool drawing office, then at the outbreak of the Second World War was promoted to production manager. He was in charge of brengun carrier production during this period.

In the post war years he became variously chief planner, works superintendent and production manager. He joined the board of directors and was appointed works manager in 1949.

This was a period of expansion which included major re-organisation at the Newcastle factory.

He represented the company on the area committee of the Engineering and Allied Employers’ Federation and was chairman of the local Foreman’s Mutual Benevolent Society. He was also one-time president of Grantham Engineering Society.

He died in office following a serious illness.