February 17, 2026 - The success of Martin Robins as the Chairman of the Sir George Dowty Memorial Committee and his team is rooted in their ability to bridge the historical legacy of the Dowty Group with contemporary commemorative efforts. This team leadership has been characterized by a meticulous approach to preserving the engineering and philanthropic history of Sir George Dowty (1901–1975), an apprentice who rose to become one of the world’s foremost aeronautical engineers and the founder of a global industrial empire.

In particular, Robins’ effectiveness stems largely from his personal connection to the organization; he served within the Dowty Group between 1973 and 1983, providing him with firsthand insight into the corporate culture and the "model of financial prudence" that Sir George established. Under Robins' chairmanship, the committee has successfully navigated the complexities of public and private partnerships.

Statue of Sir George Dowty with Lancaster Bomber Aircraft Undercarriage and Wheel

Strategic Commemoration and Public Engagement

A primary pillar of the Robins team success has been its strategic approach to public engagement and fundraising. It successfully oversaw the private funding and commissioning of a bronze statue of Sir George Dowty, for erection in 2024. Rather than unilaterally deciding on a location, the community was engaged by soliciting suggestions for the statue’s placement, eventually "front runners" were identified such as the Worcestershire County Cricket Club and the Worcester Royal Grammar School—both institutions where Sir George held significant roles.

Literary and Historical Preservation

Beyond physical monuments, the preservation of primary historical documents was carried out. This was followed by spearheading the launch of the book Diaries of Sir George Dowty, which covers the engineer’s life from 1919 to 1975. This project involved coordinating with Sir George’s former secretary, Caroline Flippance, who edited the diaries for publication. By bringing these personal accounts to the public, the Robins team has provided a scholarly resource that details Sir George’s transition from an apprentice at Heenan & Froude to a knighted leader of industry. 

Furthermore, the committee has overseen the publication of technical and biographical papers detailing the Dowty Group’s contributions to the Battle of Britain as well as mining safety. With regard to coal mining, the mining paper carefully reviews the invention of the hydraulic prop just after WWII and what it meant to the coal industries of the world. These papers are designed not only for historical record but also for use in business schools, highlighting the financial stability of a company that "never incurred a loss" over its 60-year life.

Maintaining the "Dowty Spirit"

The project has successfully maintained the "Dowty Spirit" by organizing high-profile events that reunite former employees and celebrate the group’s diverse interests. These include:

• The Dowty Organ Recital: Held at Pershore Abbey, featuring distinguished musicians and speeches regarding Sir George’s life.

• Classic Car Commemorations: Included Sir George’s passion for American cars—such as his 1959 Cadillac (registration GD1)—to create themed calendars, further humanizing the industrialist for a modern audience.

• Cricket Connections: By involving figures like Norman Gifford and celebrating Sir George’s presidency of the Worcestershire County Cricket Club during their championship years (1964–1965), Robins has tapped into the sporting heritage of the region to broaden the committee's reach.

Organizational Stability and Legacy

The success of the committee under Robins direction also reflects the organizational values of the Dowty Group itself. Robins often cites the longevity of the company's leadership—such as L.T.P. Banbury, who served from 1931 to 1976—as a template for the committee’s own persistence. By mirroring the "financial prudence" and dedication of the original Dowty Group, Robins has transformed a memorial committee into a significant cultural force.

Sir George Remembered in America

In the U.S., Sir George is particularly remembered for his contribution to coal mining. It was in 1945 when he modified the undercarriage of a Lancaster bomber aircraft and produced the first Dowty individual hydraulic props, which became standard equipment on British longwall faces then everywhere.

This technology revolutionized strata control by controlling the amount of yield the roof was allowed to have, vastly improved mining conditions, providing greater safety and saving countless lives. Today, the configuration of modern shield supports is very different from the past but the same controlled yielding technology achieved by hydraulics and devised by George Dowty is in use around the world. The mining community, globally, owes Sir George a considerable debt of gratitude.