Veterans watch demonstration of restored Merlin engine (From Knutsford Guardian)

Veterans watch demonstration of restored Merlin engine

4:40pm Friday 20th March 2009

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THE familiar smell of aviation fuel and engine oil greeted scores of Second World War veterans as they attended the inaugural meeting of the Oliver Merlin Club in Knutsford.

Former pilots, ground crew and historians gathered at Oliver Valves, in Parkgate Industrial Estate, on Friday, to witness the spectacular demonstration of the newly restored Merlin Mark 20 aero-engine, which played a pivotal role in the war.

Despite the fact the engine had not seen active service for at least 65 years, the 27-litre Merlin eagerly came to life, treating Oliver Valves’ distinguished guests to an orchestral roar that triggered a moving emotional response from those who owed their lives to the Rolls Royce design.

“The incredible sound of the Mark 20 certainly brought a tear to a few eyes, mine included,” said Jerry Crane, a founding member of the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association, the official public support group for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

“The real triumph is that the strangers who were brought together by today's demonstration have left as friends – that's a testament to the lasting power of the Merlin.”

Visitors did not come empty handed and Michael Oliver, patron of the Oliver Merlin Club, had the opportunity to review not only technical documents pertinent to the development of the engine, but also flight logs and sortie diaries regarding night raids over Germany.

Michael added: “I am delighted with the information we have gathered so far and am very grateful to all those who brought these mementos along.

“These are exactly the kind of documents that our club intends to preserve for future generations.

“The response we had today and the interest generated just shows how important this is to a great deal of people.”

For more information on the Oliver Merlin Club contact the club president, Joel Sacca, on 01565 632636.

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