Norman Engineering of Upper Grove Street, Leamington Spa.

Makers of the “The Norman ‘D’ type”

The Norman Engineering Company ran from 1919 until 1938.

Arthur Matthews was born in 1893 and served in the Army Ordnance Corps during WW1.
In 1919 has started the Norman Engineering Company in Upper Grove Street, Leamington Spa.

Ernest George Soanes was the works manager until his death from tuberculosis in 1921.

They produced an air-cooled 2 stroke engine “The Norman ‘D’ type” engine that was fitted into a bike/scooter called the Kenilworth for a Coventry firm, the Booth Bros in Much Park Street.

The same engine was coupled to a Dunlop air compressor which was used to inflate car tyres.

Arthur Matthews of 23 Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa, died in tragic circumstances on Wednesday 1st July 1931 at the age of 38.
His body was found in a burning Armstrong Siddeley 12hp 2 seater, reg EU6540 in Waverly Wood, nr Bubbenhall.
A revolver with two spent cartridges were found in the wreckage.

Birmingham Gazette – Saturday 2 July 1931

Birmingham Gazette – Saturday 4 July 1931

Birmingham Gazette – 6 July 1931