A READER has sent this potted history as it appeared in the offical Watford directory circa 1954.

FOUNDED in 1915 by the late Sidney G Brown, Fellow of the Royal Society, his inventive genius quickly brought the company to the forefront in the field of telegraph instruments, and later as manufacturers of the famous Brown telephones and loud-speakers.

He achieved perhaps greater world renown as originator of the Brown gyroscopic compass and automatic helmsman.

These instruments are today in worldwide use by shipping companies of every maritime nation, and more than justify the use of the phrase "A sure guide to a good ship".

During World War Two, the company was rapidly expanded to deal with the demand for the Brown gyro compass by the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Transport, and with the production of many gyroscopic and other precision instruments for the fighting services.

In 1948 increasing expansion forced the company to move from its original buildings at Acton to its present site in Shakespeare Street, Watford, where it now provides employment for some 900 highly skilled personnel.

While the main product continues to be the world famous gyro compass and automatic helmsman, together with all the accessories, the company produces a large variety of precision instruments to meet the ever-growing demands of government departments and industry.

The nature of many of these must remain shrouded in secrecy to protect our national interests.

But it is worth noting that in one section alone the telephone department more than three quarters of a million units are produced every year.

Since the move to Watford, and in accordance with its policy of fulfilling the needs of the mercantile marine, Messrs SG Brown Limited have incorporated within the parent company the Submarine Signal Company (London) Limited, and are thereby able to produce to the same exacting standards echo sounding and Fathometer equipments for use in shipping companies throughout the world.

f=GillSans d=2,2QoON the subject of the Heydon family:

August 19, 2002 14:30