Davies and Newman

The Company was incorporated in 1922 by two partners, Captain William Davies and Frank Newman, to carry on business as shipbrokers, oilbrokers, and tanker managers, taking over the interests of a company established in the 1880s[1] called Lane and MacAndrew, of which Newman had been a director, which was wound up.

By the time of his death in 1936, he had been in the bulk oil trade for almost fifty years and was a member of the committee of the Tanker Pool.

After attending The Leys School, he joined Davies and Newman, then during World War II saw active service in Burma with the Honourable Artillery Company, rising to the rank of Captain and being awarded the Military Cross.

[1] Having quoted shares would bring financial openness, greater respect, and an injection of new capital, with the result that services were expanded.

Dan-Air Engineering Limited had a lease expiring in 1982 of some 19 acres at Lasham Airfield, with two hangars, plus various workshops, stores, and administrative offices.

The Group owned a freehold house at Lowfield Heath, Sussex, and also occupied offices and workshops at Gatwick, Bristol, and Newcastle Airports, and offices at Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester, Teesside, Luton, and Berlin Tegel Airports, and premises at Horsham, Sussex, used for training.

[1] The directors of Davies and Newman in October 1971 were: The company's bankers were Lloyds Bank Limited, 39 Threadneedle Street, London EC2.

[12] In October 1992, after failed talks with Virgin Atlantic, Davies and Newman sold Dan-Air to British Airways for a nominal £1, with the new owner taking over debts of £37 million and other liabilities.