Eric Platford

Eric Platford (1883 - 20 November 1938) was an English engineer and a Rolls Royce pioneer. Platford had an illustrious career with Rolls Royce.^[1]

Platford was employed by Henry Royce and assisted in the construction of Royce's first car from his factory in Cooke Street, Manchester. In 1906 he won the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy as onboard mechanic alongside Hon Charles Rolls. In 1913, he stood third the in the first Spanish Grand Prix having lead the race. He conceded first place on team orders.

In 1919, Platford prepared the Rolls Royce engines in St. Johns Newfoundland for the first successful non-stop Transatlantic flight (Transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown)

Early life

Platford was born in 1883 in Manchester, England. His father worked in banking but died when Eric was 6 months old. He attended Cheadle Hulme School and became an apprentice at Royce Limited at the age of 17.

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