Arthur marshall perth

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Sir Arthur Marshall OBE DL was one of Britain's aviation pioneers whose Cambridge-based aircraft engineering and automotive business grew to become a major force in the UK Aerospace industry, and one of the largest privately-owned companies in the country. He was born on 4th December, , just 13 days prior to the first manned flight by the Wright brothers, the eldest of eight children.

He obtained his pilot's licence, in and, in , he and his father bought their first aircraft, a de Havilland Gipsy Moth. In June that year, his father also purchased Whitehill Farm, alongside the family home in Newmarket Road on which they opened Cambridge's first aerodrome. Arthur combined his work in the garage with giving flying instruction in his spare time, and an expansion of the aviation business led to the purchase of land just outside Cambridge in on which the present Cambridge Airport was developed.

Arthur Marshall's flying training methods resulted in the Company's Elementary Flying Training Schools being the most productive in the country.

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His scheme was eventually adopted across the Royal Air Force, providing huge benefits during the remainder of the Second World war. Arthur Marshall also initiated the incorporation of his company into the Government's Civilian Repair Organisation. During the course of the War, Marshall repaired over 5, aircraft of types such as Whitley, Oxford, Albemarle and Mosquito.

Arthur Marshall became Chairman of the Company on his father's death in , and remained in this position for the next 48 years, until his retirement in His unique management style, as well as his single-minded attention to detail and strong leadership enabled him to achieve success by example which fostered unrivalled team spirit and an enduring loyalty from his workforce which encouraged them collectively to achieve standards which were stamped with corporate pride.

This rare inspiration became a Marshall hallmark, and was a telling testimony of his leadership. Following the War, Arthur Marshall established a vehicle body building division of the Company which, as Marshall Specialist Vehicles, grew to become a substantial supplier to the Ministry of Defence. He developed the aircraft business, Marshall Aerospace, into a major maintenance and repair business which is, today, one of the most highly regarded companies in its field.

The Motor business, started by his father, which was further developed by Arthur's son Michael, is now one of the country's largest privately-owned garage groups. Arthur Marshall was passionately attached to Cambridge and was particularly proud to have created a highly respected business which provided substantial local employment.