RUMBLINGS, September 1941
Richard Bolster
WE were sorry indeed to hear that Richard Bolster, brother of John Bolster, had been killed in action with the R. A..F. Richard was one of I he young men who have been doing so much to win the war for us ; he represented all that is best in the well-to-do young British sportsman. We recollect hearing John telling the story of how he got accepted as a pilot officer with the R.A.F. in his own brisk way, alt hough he was in a reserved occupation. We believe he was posted to a lighter squadron, butwas_ piloting either a bomber or a long-range fighter over Germany when he failed to return. Ile started running an o.h.c. V-twin G.N. in sprints with brother John and then built, and raced with some success both in short events v lid at Donington, that queer M.G. Magna-engined G.N. with multi-carburetters, rear-set Darracq radiator and high-seating position. At this time he also handled ” Mary” and the ” 30/98 ” Vauxhall. Later came the car possessed of four single-cylinder Rudge engines in line along a G.N.-ish frame. This answer, as it were, to Charles Martin’s ” square-four” job only ran decently once, when it took its class at Shelsley Walsh. Growing tired of it, Richard. produced a Hudson-engined ” Special,” doubtless basing it on the remarkably potent Skinner Special so effectively handled by his brother’s wife. The cancellation of the 1f)39 autumn Shelsley meeting prevented the car showing what it could achieve. Richard sought to motor last and with excitement in another sphere. He got into the R.A.F. when others had been unsuccessful, after a rather stormy interview with Authority. His celebration was quite something. Now his mo
toring, in the Hudson ” Special ” and the R.A.F., is finished. C’est La guerre/—but our sorrrow is no less.
Langhorne Match Race
It seems that two match races have been staged at Langhorne Speedway, U.S.A., between Le Begue and Trevoux with their Talbots and the winning Indianapolis Offenhauser. The American car won.
Party
It is very inspiring news that another Enthusiasts’ Party is being staged by the Vintage S.C.C., E.R.A. Club and Bugatti Owners’ Club, next month. This time the venue is in London and no arrangements are made for a car rally. The place is the Rembrandt Rooms, S.W.7, and the date October 5th. Party starts at 12 noon, lunch happens at 1.30 p.m., George Monkhouse will give his classic film show thereafter and there is tea to follow. An exhibition of motor-racing pictures will be an added attraction. The charge is
10s. 6d. per head and tickets were available from D. B. Tubbs, 21, Cranmer Court, Sloane Avenue, London, SM.3, by post only. We expect all the available space is taken by now. Once again the thanks of all enthusiasts must go out to Messrs. Ilea!, Clutton, Rivers-Fletcher and Eric Giles. Thanks indeed !
Appeal
The Austin Seven was so universally admired as a racing-car, and this make of baby-car has given so inuch pleasure to divers enthusiasts that there should he an extremely good response to Lord Nu ffield’s appeal for donations to a fund to perpetuate the memory of the late Lord Austin. The appeal reads as follows :
Every member and unit of the British Motor Industry and its eonneetions will, I am confident, agree with me that the loss we have suffered by the death of Lord Austin is irreparable.
1.Iis modest and retiring nature did much to mask the true value of his achievements, but their outstanding qualities must be apparent to those who, like myself, have closely followed his career, and his place as a clever and original designer will be indeed hard to fill.
To refrain front an endeavour to perpetuate his Memory would be a grave and even discreditable omissimt, and I therefore hope you may be willing to associate ycur Firm with the Austin Menu priaI Appeal which I have imdertaken to make, and which I have initiated with a contribution of N.1,000. The Austin Company has promised a similar amount..
The exact type of the Memorial will depend on the total amount subscribed to it, but 118 Lord Austin was himself so justly famed for his benevolence, it is considered that it might most ap p r pri:ttely take the form of a specialendowment to beadministerett I,y the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund.
Arty arnount sent to me, however small, will be acknowledged with gratitude. Cheques should be made payable to the ” Austin Memorial Fund.”
It will doubtless not be overlooked that with Income Tax at 10s. any suhseription made to the BenevolentFund under a seven years’ covenant, will result in the Fund receiving double the amount subscribed. N una
All donations should he addressed to The Viscount Nuffield, Morris Motors, Ltd., Cowley, Oxford.
Odd Spots
Since Messrs. Foulis & Co. have recently published “Dick Seaman—Racing Motorist,” by Prince Chula of Thailand, we are reminded that some volumes of his privately-published works, ” Road Racing, 1936 ” and “Road Star Hat Trick,” still remain. Many people were disappointed after his first book, ” Wheels at Speed,” had been sold out, so those who do not wish to miss the other two should order them now at 8s. 6d. each from the Secretary, 113a, Dalling Road, London,
Clutton appears to have overlooked R. J. Munday’s Brooklands lap at 114.23 m.p.h. with his four-seater ” O.E. ” ” :30/98 ” Vauxhall, during the 1932 ” Gold Star ” Handicap. This is faster than the lap by Windsor-Richards, claimed by elution in his article in the July issue as the best lap-speed of an a Vauxhall, although only by m.p.h.
R. M. Sanford was married recently to Mavis Gordon.