Andrew & Doris Oliver

Two tributes were published in Hallmark in 1979 - the year he died. The first written by Harry Church. The second by Doug Tilbury. Beneath them is a report compiled for an exhibition by The History Group in 2018, on members of the RAF, living locally. Research by Joan West

By Harry Church.

ANDREW OLIVER, a close and treasured friend, has now passed on - a friendship which started in 1926 to 1932, losing sight of each other until he came to live at "Sunnybank", Highwood Bottom, in 1949, later moving to "Tor Cottage", Church Lane and finally to "Pondside", Kiln Lane.

Here we have a supreme example of a man deeply dedicated to all that is finest and best in life, a man never to think or speak ill of his fellow man and a staunch member of St. John's Church, Lacey Green.

In my humble opinion, and of others more qualified to judge than I, Andrew Oliver was one of the top, if not the best, skilled craftsmen in the country, restoring works of art in many of the stately homes of England and even in the British Museum. Just one striking example of his skill can be seen in the processional cross which Andrew made and which was in fact carried down the church by the vicar in front of the cortege at the funeral. This magnificent example of his work was made from holly and embellished with ebony, inlaid with silver marquetry - a fitting and treasured memorial to his work and service to the church.

In the last few years he devoted much of his time to the task of teaching young people, both male and female, the exacting skill of marquetry work, and how fortunate these young folk were to have such a tutor.

However, my closest association with Andrew was in the world of sport, namely motor cycling. I well remember when he joined the Bucks Motor Club his first efforts on a small under-powered machine, taking part in competitions in which very experienced riders with powerful machines tended to over-shadow less skilled members. Andrew was never over-awed and although keeping with machines that were rather on the small side, proved that 'big is not always best' by becoming a member of the Club's first team, and I was always pleased to have him in the team of which I was the captain, being assured that only the best in honest endeavour would be forthcoming. He abhorred deceit and sharp practice- which occurred in sport. (Put Bucks Motor Club in Search for other members)

By Doug Tilbury

ANDREW OLIVER. Tribute by Doug Tilbury of Andrew's work in WW2

The late Andrew Oliver flew from Lacey Green Airfield two or three times a week. Mr. Oliver, who had an outstanding knowledge of timber technology, upon entry into the RAF was given the rank of Squadron Leader and based at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough for a short while, then brought back into civilian occupation under Lord Beaverbrook, the then Minister for Aircraft Production.

Mr. Oliver was on the Personal Staff of Air Chief Marshall Arthur Harris as a "British Civilian Expert". His work was inspecting crashed aircraft, concerning the construction of such aircraft and reporting back any defect concerning the glue and wood fatigue.

Known well on the staff of the C in C Bomber Command, Mr. Oliver was ordered "Learn to Fly". The flying instructions being given by the P.A. to Sir Arthur Harris, Wing Commander D.B.Smith. Six flying lessons were given and from then on he flew solo, having many experiences which he recalled to me just before his death. One in particular was in the De Haviland Hornet Moth, whilst flying from Lacey Green to Waddesden, over Aylesbury at 2,300 ft, the engine "died" and he gave a "Mayday" call and decided to try to glide to Waddesden. This he almost did, but landed safely in the field just short of the airfield. The cause of engine failure was due to a "blown head gasket".

Mr Oliver was one of a team of five men who built the first Mosquito Fighter Bomber, the famous wooden aircraft, powered by two Rolls Royce Merlin Engines, which was built at Salisbury Hall. This would make a story on it's own ........ to be continued.

By The Local History Group 2018

ANDREW OLIVER, RAF. Post WW2, White House Farm, Tor Cottage and Pondside (all in Lacey Green

Andrew Oliver had been works manager for the firm of Walter Baker, High Wycombe, which, by 1939 had become an acknowledged leader in plywood and veneer products.

MILITARY CAREER. 1939. Drafted into the RAF and Posted to Royal Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough to work on research projects.

CIVILIAN CAREER IN WW2.    Just weeks later he was given instructions to report directly to Lord Beaverbrook, the Minister for Aircraft Production.

He was called upon to establish premises in High Wycombe for making plywood for the planes and gliders. (the specialist plywood manufacturer in East London having been bombed out).    Specialist equipment from across the country was put at his disposal.

DEVELOPING the 'MOSQUITO'.   Andrew assisted directly in wooden aircraft development.   He worked many hours at Salisbury Hall in developing the Prototype De Haviland 98 Mosquito                                       

APPOINTED BY AIR CHIEF MARSHALL,“BOMBER” HARRIS, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, Bomber Command, Walters Ash, Andrew flew to inspect every wooden aircraft that had crashed in Britain, to check if the timber or glues were at fault. He flew from the grass runway on Stocken Farm, Lacey Green.  (Built in order for Arthur Harris to get to Northalt to confer with President Eisenhower). The plane was kept in a guarded, “blister” hanger in a field behind the school. (the site of the hanger now lost under the extended school and playground.)

POST WAR.

Keeping the factory running throughout the war had been very stressful.   Additional girls had been sent to work there from the bombed London factory, not very happily.  There were 3 shifts a day and Andrew had been there at the start of every one.  He kept going throughout the war, but then had a nervous breakdown that kept him in hospital for several months. (In 2018 this would probably be more acceptably called a “stress disorder”.)  He found the therapy involving farm pursuits beneficial and decided to move out to the country, moving to “Sunnybank”, now White House Farm, Lacey Green.

He went back the Baker’s factory at High Wycombe, now doing civilian work again.  He retired in 1964.

MASTER CRAFTSMAN. He was a master-craftsman in marquetry, but “hid his light under a bushel” so to speak.  Few would have seen the priceless antiques he repaired, being sent from all over Britain and abroad. He made and gave to St. John’s Church, Lacey Green, the cross that is carried at the services. It is simple and beautiful.