User:DavidAnstiss/Basil Binyon

Basil Binyon, OBE, was a Ipswich-born English engineer and former RNAS and RAF, MA, CEng, FIEE, FIEEE, Associate Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (AFRAeS). During the 1st World War he developed radio telegraphy from aircraft. He was the first aeroplane observer to test gun spotting by use of wireless.

Personnel life
He was born on 23 April 1885 in 5 Henley Road, Ipswich, the only son of Brightwen Binyon, an architect (1852-1905), and Rachel Mary Binyon (nee Cudworth, 1853-1949). He had three sisters, Janet Binyon (1880-1963), Mary Sims Binyon (1882-1976) and Olive Binyon (1888-1971). He was a distant relative of the poet Laurence Binyon.

He was educated at Bootham School, York, and Leighton Park School, Reading, both of which were Quaker schools. Binyon then went to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1904, where he rowed as an undergraduate in the college boat. He graduated with a BA in 1907 having obtained second honours in Part One of the Natural Sciences Tripos. He then completed a post graduate course on 'Electrical Engineering'. In April 1913, he got engaged to Gladys Keep. On 20 September 1913, he married Gladys Elise Rosa Keep (born 12 September 1885 in Auckland, New Zealand, who later died on 2 October 1960). In 1914, they lived in St Cuthberts, Bushey and were noted to be one of the first people to have electric lighting and wiring around the house.

They had 3 children. On 8 December 1914, Roger Basil Binyon was born in Netherlands, (he later died as Capt. Binyon of the Royal Engineers (9 (Airborne) Field Company) on 24 September 1944 at age 30 after going missing in Sonnenberg, Germany during the Battle of Arnhem, he has no known grave, ). But his name is on a panel of the Groesbeek Memorial. On 20 July 1916, Margaret Howard Binyon was born (she later died in Surrey County Hospital on 4 October 2011, aged 95). Then lastly, on 5 May 1920, Hugh Douglas Binyon was born, (he later died in Wingham Court Nursing Home on 20 June 2000, aged 80).

"Hawthorndene, former home of Major Basil Binyon, in Warren Road, Hayes, was severely damaged by fire on Friday. Firemen from Bromley and West Wickham spent nearly three hours extinguishing the blaze and damping down the fabric. Extensive damage was caused to the upper floor and the roof of the house, which contains 20 rooms and has been empty for some time. The site is to be redeveloped. It is believed the fire may have been started by children playing inside the house."

Early career
After leaving university in 1907, he then began work with the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company,  (a company specialising in marine radio). Until 1911, he was employed as a research engineer. He worked on the wireless installation for the yacht of the Prince of Monaco. It was so successful that it was the first to transmit music via the ship's radio. It was heard when the yacht sailed into New York Harbour playing the "Marseillaise" (French national anthem).

CGR then set up an English subsidiary, the 'Anglo-French Wireless Company' in 1911. Binyon was the General Manager. By 1918, (according to The Year Book of Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony for 1918) CRG was operating wireless apparatus on more than 120 mercantile ships and provided 500 stations to the French Marine and over 100 land stations around the world.

War experience
He had to resign from his job at the start of the First World War. On 22 Sept 1914, he became a Lieutenant in the [RNVR]] (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve). He was in charge of wireless for the RNAS.

He was later commissioned into Royal Naval Air Service (R.N.A.S), at Eastchurch Wireless Experimental Station, where he worked on torpedo dropping experiments on Southampton Water.

and then later at the wireless experimental work at Cranwell. in May 1916, he took charge of the wireless school at the Royal Naval Air Service Training Establishment, Cranwell. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his wartime contribution to the services’ rapid progress in the art of wireless communication between aircraft and ground stations.

He then started working at RAF Cranwell to produce some of the first airborne radio equipment for Morse telegraphy. He was appointed Officer-in-Charge Wireless Experimental Department of R.N.A.S. in 1916. Then promoted to Squadron Commander in 1917. He was awarded an OBE for development of air-ground telephony. Appointed Major, R.A.F.

His RAF service documents are held in the Public Records Office at Kew.

he joined the Royal Naval Air Service, then in its infancy. Working with Royal Flying Corps personnel at Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, he produced some of the first airborne radio equipment for Morse telegraphy. Later the equipment was improved to make radio telephony possible between aircraft in flight and a ground station.

Basil Binyon joined the RNVR as a Lieutenant on 22 Sept 1914,on the books of HMS Pembroke, additional for RNAS, where his wireless telegraphy expertise was employed for the war effort at Eastchurch. At that station he was working with Lieutenant D.R. Hyde-Thompson RN, who had been responsible for the first torpedo-dropping experiments, on Southampton Water, and Flight Sub Lieutenant M.B. Tomlinson RN

'The War in the Air', by H.A. Jones, Vol. 2 mentions that Lt B.Binyon RNVA, a Naval Air Service Wireless Officer at Eastchurch had, in October 1914, designed a wireless set that was first made by the Sterling Telephone Company, (whose works were based in Dagenham), and that two sets were taken out to the Dardanelles by HMS Ark Royal. (These sets were in fact not used to their full potential due to the spotters having insufficient experience in wireless telegraphy.)

On 12 March 1915, Basil Binyon became Flight Lieutenant (temporary) at Eastchurch for Wireless/Telegraphy duties and, turning once again to H.A, Jones, we find that he was the first aeroplane observer to test gun spotting by use of wireless. An old battleship, the Revenge, was ordered to Shoeburyness in April 1915 for firing trials in co-operation with aircraft from Eastchurch, and seaplanes from the Empress, and the Isle of Grain. On the first and second days the Eastchurch aeroplane carrying Binyon had the only success, which was all the more noteworthy as he had had no previous experience of gun spotting. For the first time in Naval history a battleship commander had had his fire controlled by communication with an air observer with remarkable accuracy, when neither were visible to each other. These events created great interest at the Admiralty, and both Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, and Admiral Lord 'Jackie' Fisher, then First Sea Lord, were said to be favourably impressed. Further wireless experiments were carried out in August 1915 at Eastchurch when Binyon was piloted by FI/Sub/Lt J.B.D. Boyd in BE2c tractor biplane No 1124. During 1915 Eastchurch was involved with at least three enemy air raids on England's East Coast which no doubt were a welcome diversion to the day to day routine. In February 1916 he went over to France with Lt Tomlinson to see how the French were progressing in wireless telegraphy, and reported back with much valuable information. Due to the rapidly growing needs of the RNAS, the Eastchurch wireless experimental station moved to Cranwell in May 1916, and Basil Binyon moved with it in charge of the wireless telegraphy school, which was situated in the Eastern half of the air station. His first service Confidential report is dated 18 January 1916, at Eastchurch, and states: "Has no experience of command or disciplinary duties. Expert in W/T in all its branches, and VGI as lecturer on W/T. Very good spotter". The RNAS training station at Cranwell in Lincolnshire was named HMS Daedalus after the usual Royal Navy system of giving the names of the ships to its shore bases (to be strictly correct it was borne on the books of HMS Daedalus). It was one of a number of flat areas of ground which the Admiralty acquired during the Great War for the use of aircraft for reconnaissance purposes. Admiralty memorandum No 14 of 24 February 1916 stated that 'all officers and men under instruction in aeroplanes, kite balloons and airships will be sent to Cranwell for a finishing course, and for graduation'. His first confidential report from the Commodore at Cranwell reads: "In charge of all W/T, W/T boys and electrical ratings under instruction, also experimental and research work. Has carried out duties most satisfactorily, is a good organiser, very capable and hard working", dated 6 November 1916. On 13 November 1916 it was put forward that he be granted the acting rank of Flight Commander, which he became on 14 November 1916. A further report .)f 26 November 1916 reads: "Very strongly recommended for promotion", and he was subsequently made Flight Commander with effect from 31 December 1916, with seniority from the same date. Apparently not content with his ground duties, Basil Binyon trained as a pilot, and was awarded Royal Aero Certificate No 4587 on 14 April 1917, at Cranwell, having taken his test on a Maurice Farman biplane, presumably a Shorthorn, as this was the usual training aircraft at that time. His service record dated 26 March 1918, shows that lie had flown 33 hours, of which 23 hours and 22 minutes were solo flying. The confidential report of 29 November 1917 by LtCol A. Warrington-Morris states "Recommended for promotion", and the same gentleman recommended him for the award of the OBE, which was gazetted on 7 June 1918 to Major Basil Binyon, Royal Air Force. Although there is no citation in the London Gazette, tlie award was for his war work on radio telegraphy from aircraft. Prior to the award he had been promoted in the New Year's Honour list of 3 January 1918 to Acting Squadron Commander, a rank which he held until the amalgamation of the RNAS and RFC on I April 1918. In the special qualifications section of his RAF service record, under authority, Census/365, are the notes: BA degree Cambridge, Natural Science Tripos. Post Graduate course in Electrical Engineering, seven months in engineering workshops, AMIEE, MIRE. Since joining RNAS three and a half years, officer in charge of all W/T research and experimental work. Graduated as a pilot (for aeroplanes). He remained at Cranwell with the Wireless Experimental Establishment, until being transferred to the unemployment list 21 March 1919.

On 22nd September 1914 Basil joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a Lieutenant. His wireless telegraphy expertise was employed for the War effort, at Eastchurch Wireless Experimental Station, where he worked on torpedo dropping experiments on Southampton Water. He progressed to design a wireless set which was taken out to Gallipoli. In March 1915 he pioneered methods of gun spotting by the use of wireless from aircraft, enabling naval commanders to have their fire controlled by communication with an air observer. From 1915 to the end of the War he continued experiments with wireless technologies and for three and a half years was the Officer in Charge of all Wireless-Telegraphy Research. Basil was promoted frequently throughout this time, and on 31st December 1916 was given the rank of Flight Commander. He trained as a pilot and by 26th March 1918 he had flown 33 hours, of which over 22 hours had been solo flying. In the summer of 1918 he was recommended for an OBE for his war work on radio telegraphy and was gazetted on 7th June 1918 to Major Basil Binyon, Royal Air Force. He remained with the Wireless Experimental Establishment at Cranwell until 21st March 1919,

Post war career
After the war ended, he resigned his commission, then he returned to Cambridge University to complete his MA.

Also in 1919, aged only 34, he was appointed Managing Director of the newly formed Radio Communication Company (RCC), in Barnes, London. The RCC produced equipment and operators for merchant and naval ships, it also made long wave marine transmitting and receiving equipment of international repute. It also made domestic radio sets and components under the trade mark 'Polar'. Later it developed into a worldwide long-wave communications network in the 1920s and early 1930s.

Due to the major influence of the Marconi company and its controls over patents, which made it difficult to manufacture a modern wireless station or receiver without risking lawsuits over patent rights. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA), was developed and in 1919 entered into agreements with various companies to allow the manufacture of wirelesses.

The RCC (under Binyon) took a major shareholding of the Mullard Radio Valve Co., who was an independent supplier of high power transmitting (and other valves), which were essential in making wirelesses. They had originally developed high powered valves for H.M. Signal School. Binyon also joined its Board, as a Director. Binyon was also a director of the short lived wireless company of C. F. Elwell Limited, between 1921 and 1925.

Following a meeting of several wireless manufacturers called by the Postmaster General in 1922, (Binyon was one of the many attendees ). It was decided that a single company would best serve the new medium of radio broadcasting, and the British Broadcasting Company was thus formed. Earlier that year the Marconi company had already begun experimental transmissions from Writtle, and prior to the formation of the new company there had been many difficult meetings between the Post Office and private companies on how broadcasting should be organised. Agreement was reached at the meeting at Savoy Place on 18 October 1922, the result being the birth of 2LO.

Basil Binyon was appointed an original director of the British Broadcasting Company in 1922.

He was responsible for the hiring of key personnel, including the Company’s first Chief Engineer, Peter Eckersley.

He stayed with the BBC until 1926, when he resigned after a disagreement with Lord Reith, the managing director, regarding the changeover from private enterprise company into a public corporation, now known worldwide as the BBC.

He wrote on 10 August 1926 to Lord Reith. "I take strong objection to this statement which I think is not only an unwise statement but an untrue statement. Had the British Broadcasting Company abused its period of stewardship, I could then understand that it might inevitably lead to the creation of some different organisation."

Between 1925 and 1926, he was also appointed chairman of the Institution of Electrical Engineers's wireless section. His chairman's address, presented to the institution in November 1925, was a comprehensive review of marine wireless equipment at that time.

Late 1920s Radio Communication Company was merged with Marconi in an international marine radio communication organization which supplied equipment and personnel to the merchant navies of several countries, Imperial and International Communications Ltd.

Joined the board of Marconi

He returned to Marconi until 1935, being periodically released for visits to the Argentine to supervise the Buenos Aires Water Company. He was chairman of the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1925. During WW2 he was Group Commandant of No 19 Group Royal Observer Corps, and from 1939 to 1947 was an Observer Commander. He died on 4 April 1977, aged 91, at Farnborough, Kent, after a full and active life, having been a pioneer of radio broadcasting, whose contribution to this medium should not be forgotten.

Keston A. and P. Club Lord Stanley Accepts Presidency Keston Archaeological and Photographic Club. Vice President. Bromley and Kentish Times 25 September 1936

1936 became a director of the Buenos Aires Water Company

in 1945 WWII Served in Royal Observer Corps, for which he devised predictors based upon alarm clock mechanisms.

During the Second World War Binyon had a distinguished career with the Royal Observer Corps, for which he devised ingenious predictors based upon alarm clock mechanisms. These played an important part in the air defences of London in 1940–41 before radar was widely available. The south-eastern sector of the Royal Observer Corps, of which Binyon was commandant, was in the front line of these defences.

Throughout his adult life Binyon had a great interest in making things, and had a well-equipped workshop with a lathe in the basement of his house. There he made a number of ingenious devices for time-lapse photography which he used to produce accelerated motion cine films of clouds and of flowers opening, which were a novelty at the time. After the war he built working model steam locomotives with which he entertained his grandchildren and many others. His first wife died in 1960, and on 28 April 1962 Binyon married Violet Mary (1900–1989), daughter of John Walter Hibbert.

In retirement he divided his time between his large house, Hawthornedene in Hayes, Kent, and his seaside home at Thatchways, West Wittering, Sussex, where he regularly played host to large parties of family and friends who enjoyed sea bathing and sailing at the nearby Itchenor sailing club. After his second marriage he moved from Hayes to 14 The Glen, Farnborough Park, Kent. Throughout his life Binyon was keen on winter sports and served a term as president of the Ski Club of Great Britain. Binyon died on 4 April 1977 at Farnborough Hospital, Kent, of heart failure. He was buried at Hayes parish church.

1977 Died on 4 April at Farnborough Hospital, Kent.