Harry N.D Bailey AFRAeS 1918-2004

Rolls-Royce Test Pilots (left to right) Cliff Rogers,Harry Bailey,Harvey Heyworth,Jim Heyworth,Andy McDowell and Roy Barnard.

Harry Bailey took his engineering degree with honours at Hull Technical College and joined Rolls Royce in 1938 as an engineering apprentice,later working on aero-engine development.

He joined the Derby branch of the RAFVR in October 1938,and was called up on the outbreak of war. He served in 54 Fighter Squadron in 1940 and 1941 and was seconded to Rolls-Royce for flying duties in 1942 with the rank of Squadron Leader.

He was appointed Senior Liaison pilot in 1947 and Assistant Chief Test Pilot in 1951. On the retirement of Harvey Heyworth he was appointed Rolls-Royce Chief Test Pilot in 1954,serving in this position until 1955 when he was succeeded by Jim Heyworth.
He had flown forty seven differnt aircraft types and in the course of his duties with Rolls-Royce,he visited sixty countries around the world.