Thomas Clifford Bowen
Thomas Clifford Bowen (1895-1948)
1949 Obituary [1]
"THOMAS CLIFFORD BOWEN was closely concerned with power transmission problems throughout his career, and at the time of his death, which occurred on 3rd December 1948, was managing director of Messrs. Graton and Knight, belting manufacturers, London.
He was born in 1895 and served his apprenticeship in Bridgend, Glamorganshire, between 1909 and 1914 at the South Wales electric power station and with Messrs. Charles Sheppard and Sons, colliery engineers. He then joined His Majesty's Forces and served with the Royal Engineers for five years. On demobilization he began a course of study in mechanical engineering at the Cardiff Technical College, where he obtained the Diploma and was awarded the Cory Research Scholarship. For the next two years he was engaged on researches in connection with power transmission, and in particular with regard to belt transmission. For his investigations into the variation of the coefficient of friction with regard to varying belt speed, tension and thickness, he designed and constructed special apparatus, and much experimental work and testing was carried out under his direction at the Grange Mills of Messrs. Lewis and Tyler in Cardiff. He began his association with Messrs. Graton and Knight in 1923 with the post of engineer, and three years later was made senior sales manager. He was appointed managing director in 1931. Mr. Bowen had been an Associate Member of the Institution since 1923."