Hirel, EPTA and Col. F.R. Peathey-Johns - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Lucien Nunes · 3rd Jul 2022, 4:23 pm

Does anyone know anything about these companies and this man?

Hirel Electronic Developments Ltd.
Incorporated 11/09/63 No. 00773784
Dissolved 14/6/1971

EPTA Engineering Co. Ltd.
Dissolved 14/6/1971

Both were operated by, or at least had as director, Col. Francis Royston Peathey-Johns MBE BSc(Eng) C.Eng. MIMechE FIEE MIERE, ex. Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He had previously held a post described as Asst. director of electronics at the War Office, followed by a tenure at Gresham Lion Electronics. Therefore either or both of the above companies may have been partly or entirely associated with defence projects.

My interest stems from their ties with Compton organs. The John Compton Organ Company was split up in the 1960s, and a new company called 'Compton Organs Ltd.' was formed, of which Col P-J was a director. The new company identified itself as part of the Hirel Group and EPTA / Hirel shared Compton's existing premises in Acton. The reason for this is not yet clear to me; one commentator suggests that the motivation was mainly to make use of Compton's factory and workforce.

Compton were very busy during the 1960s but they were clinging on to obsolete technology and their fragile bubble burst when Hirel and EPTA were wound up.

But what had those firms been doing in the meantime?

I note that there have been various firms with forms of 'Hi-Rel' in their names, but the later ones don't seem to have any connection.

Ed_Dinning · 3rd Jul 2022, 6:45 pm

Hi Lucien, you could try the libraries/ archives of The IEE (IET) and IMechE. I found them to be pretty helpful.
Patent office library often had useful trade directories

Ed

3rd Jul 2022, 4:23 pm	#1
Lucien Nunes Rest in Peace Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, UK. Posts: 2,508	Hirel, EPTA and Col. F.R. Peathey-Johns Does anyone know anything about these companies and this man? Hirel Electronic Developments Ltd. Incorporated 11/09/63 No. 00773784 Dissolved 14/6/1971 EPTA Engineering Co. Ltd. Dissolved 14/6/1971 Both were operated by, or at least had as director, Col. Francis Royston Peathey-Johns MBE BSc(Eng) C.Eng. MIMechE FIEE MIERE, ex. Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He had previously held a post described as Asst. director of electronics at the War Office, followed by a tenure at Gresham Lion Electronics. Therefore either or both of the above companies may have been partly or entirely associated with defence projects. My interest stems from their ties with Compton organs. The John Compton Organ Company was split up in the 1960s, and a new company called 'Compton Organs Ltd.' was formed, of which Col P-J was a director. The new company identified itself as part of the Hirel Group and EPTA / Hirel shared Compton's existing premises in Acton. The reason for this is not yet clear to me; one commentator suggests that the motivation was mainly to make use of Compton's factory and workforce. Compton were very busy during the 1960s but they were clinging on to obsolete technology and their fragile bubble burst when Hirel and EPTA were wound up. But what had those firms been doing in the meantime? I note that there have been various firms with forms of 'Hi-Rel' in their names, but the later ones don't seem to have any connection.

3rd Jul 2022, 6:45 pm	#2
Ed_Dinning Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 8,195	Re: Hirel, EPTA and Col. F.R. Peathey-Johns Hi Lucien, you could try the libraries/ archives of The IEE (IET) and IMechE. I found them to be pretty helpful. Patent office library often had useful trade directories Ed