John Wilson (industrial chemist)
|
John Wilson CBE, MC & Bar, FRIC |
|
|---|---|
| Born |
6 September 1890 Edinburgh |
| Died | 8 September 1976 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | British subject |
| Occupation | Industrial chemist |
| Known for | Director of the British Rayon Research Association, Director of the British Rubber Research Association |
John Wilson CBE, MC & Bar, FRIC (6 September 1890 – 8 September 1976) was Director of the British Rayon Research Association from 1948 to 1958. He was married to Edith Wilson (née Leech) and had six children.
Wilson was born in Edinburgh to Isabella and Richard. He studied at Bingley Grammar School in Yorkshire and went on to obtain an MSc from the University of Sheffield. He was a captain in World War I, serving in France with the York and Lancaster Regiment, where he received the Military Cross twice and was mentioned in Dispatches. According to the London Gazette, Wilson:
Went out in daylight into “No Man's Land” over ground covered by enemy snipers, close up to an enemy “pill-box,” and secured an identification from the bodies of two of the enemy who had been killed by a patrol. His courageous action secured a valuable identification.
On the second occasion, also in 1918, he:
Led his company with great dash and determination against a group of houses strongly held by the enemy, and drove them out with heavy casualties. Later, though severely wounded, he continued to direct operations until relieved of his command. He set a splendid example to all.
Wilson worked at Triplex Laboratories in Birmingham. As works chemist at Triplex Safety Glass Company (now Pilkington), he made a significant contribution to the development of safety glass. He then worked as Director of Research at the British Rubber Research Association from 1937–47.
He was appointed Director of the British Rayon Research Association in 1948, where he worked until his retirement in 1958. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1958. Under his stewardship, the BRRA became an organisation with an international reputation in its field and nearly 300 staff.
...
Wikipedia