John William Larking
John William Larking ( -1960)
1961 Obituary [1]
Arthur William Larking who died on 23rd November 1960, was a prominent member of the Automobile Division of this Institution. He became a Member in 1947 and was Chairman of the A.D. Centre at Luton from 1956 to 1958. He also served on various technical committees, including the Lubricants Engine Testing Advisory Panel of the War Office for nine years.
Mr Larking was apprenticed to Vickers-Petters Ltd, Ipswich, in 1920 and at the same time he attended the Ipswich School of Engineering.
He then gained experience as a draughtsman with the Parsons Oil Engine Co. and later with J. I. Thornycroft and Co. Ltd. where he worked on high-speed diesel development work.
In 1931 he joined Vauxhall Motors Ltd as a leading engine draughtsman and in 1937 he became Assistant Power Unit Engineer. From 1946 to the time of his death, Mr Larking was Power Unit Engineer for the Company in charge of all its post-war unit design and development. He directed a number of new and important projects during that time including the 300-in3 petrol engine, the diesel versions of this unit and the new passenger-car engines.
He was respected by everyone for his integrity, consideration and his outstanding knowledge of engine design.