YEOVIL NEWS: Family visit Westland factory to unveil plaque in honour of Teddy Petter

A PLAQUE was unveiled at the AgustaWestland factory in Yeovil last weekend in honour of the man who designed two of the company’s most famous aircraft.

William Edward Willoughby Petter – better known as Teddy – designed the Lysander and Whirlwind which became important aircraft in the Second World War.

The Westland Lysander was perhaps most famous for its short take-off and landing capabilities. It was used for the high risk drop and retrieval of secret agents or stranded Allied aircrew in France.

PHOTO - TOP: The plaque in honour of Teddy Petter.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Teddy Petter's daughter, Francois, unveils the plaque at AgustaWestland in Yeovil.

The Westland Whirlwind was a twin engine fighter and Britain’s first heavily-armed aircraft. It was designed for maximum speed, efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Teddy Petter, the son of Sir Ernest Petter who helped to set-up Westland Aircraft Works with his brother Percival in 1915, was appointed technical director at Westland in 1935.

He went on to lead the design team of the English Electric Canberra when he took up the post of chief engineer with that company.

He also went on to design the English Electric Lightning, a supersonic jet fighter which was the first aircraft in RAF service capable of sustained supersonic flight. Teddy died in 1968.

Nearly 50 years after his death his daughter Francois, who had flown over from America, was joined by other family members at the AgustaWestland factory in Yeovil last Sunday (July 12, 2015) to unveil a plaque in his honour during the company’s family day to commemorate its 100th anniversary of aviation manufacturing.

Also at the plaque unveiling was AgustaWestland managing director Ray Edwards.

PHOTO - ABOVE: All smiles for Teddy Petter's daughter Francois - despite the rain!

PHOTO - ABOVE: Teddy Petter's daughter Francois with AgustaWestland managing director Ray Edwards.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Teddy Petter's daughter Francois with AgustaWestland managing director Ray Edwards.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Younger members of the Petter family.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Members of the Petter family at AgustaWestland in Yeovil on Sunday, July 12, 2015.

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