Robert Deans Peggs (1900-1960) of the Royal Aircraft Establishment
1960 Obituary [1]
Robert Deans Peggs, who died on 20th April, was a well-known and respected figure in the life of the Institution. For many years he was closely associated with the Southern Branch, which he served as a member of the Branch Committee and as Hon. Secretary. He was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1936 and he transferred to Member in 1946.
Mr Peggs was born in 1900 and he was educated at the Edward VI Grammar School, Morpeth.
In 1916 he was apprenticed to Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd and while with that Company he attended the Rutherford Technical College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he was awarded a diploma in engineering.
From 1921 until 1927 he gained experience in a variety of firms and in 1927 he went up to the University of Oxford. He received his M.A. in 1930 and took up the post of Head of the Engineering Department of the Oxford School of Technology. He was appointed Principal of the Royal Aircraft Establishment Technical College, Farnborough, in 1944 and he continued in this position until the time of his death. The work brought him many responsibilities for a variety of students and courses. He was always courteous and courageous in discharging these duties and he made many friends among his students.
In 1957 he was honoured for his work by the award of the Order of the British Empire.