William Ripper

He started as a dockyard apprentice, was later a science teacher in the Central Higher School of Sheffield, publishing a book on chemistry.

The Technical School became the Department of Applied Science in the new University in 1905, with Ripper as head.

During the First World War the then Vice-Chancellor Herbert Fisher was called away to a government post, and Ripper took on the role until 1919.

He managed this in addition to his position of professor of mechanical engineering, and also coordinator of the university war effort, which included extensive training for industry and allocation of work to local firms for efficient production, as well as research and direct technical support.

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