Magnificent men and their flying machines

Designer Roy Chadwick — the father of the Lancaster. A blue plaque at the Greengate site acknowledges his claim to be "Britain's greatest aircraft designer"

WE reveal some of the stories and personalities behind Chadderton’s link with aviation history - the Greengate Avro site, which closes for good next month
ALLIOTT Verdon Roe and Roy Chadwick were two men who not only provided a legacy for British aviation history, but a legacy lodged here in Oldham.

Pioneering Roe, on June 8, 1908, became the first Englishman to make a powered flight when he took to the skies at the Brooklands motor racing track.

He then decided to form his own aeroplane manufacturing company - AV Roe & Company — on January 1, 1910 — affectionately known as AVRO.

The company moved to the vast Chadderton site in 1939, with war clouds gathering, and the rest is well-documented history.

Chief designer Chadwick and managing director Roy Dobson decreed that the plant should be made twice the size of the original drawing and the company’s headquarters was quickly utilised during the Second World War.

A Blue Heritage Plaque dedicated to Chadwick — who famously designed the Lancaster bomber — is placed outside the office — where it is hoped it will remain, as a proud reminder of the Chadwick’s. and the company’s, achievement.