LEO editor

• Interviewee: Roger Coleman                                                   DOB: 1932

Interviewer: Tim-Greening Jackson

Date of Interview: 22.05.2008

Role in LEO: Computer Programmer, Systems Analyst

Joined LEO: December 1954

Abstract: Roger left Mill Hill school in 1950 to self-study to become an actuary but in 1954 responded to an advertisement for a programmer job at Cadby Hall. Joined LEO aged 22, the then youngest programmer. Rapid progress led to him being given the British Rail station to station distancing job working with John Gosden under David Caminer. The oral history is confined to his early career and the details of the BR job.  A text-only Part 1 to the composite oral history provides a summary of his career to retirement.  His career after leaving LEO in 1957 included managing the LEO 2/9 at Ilford Limited, working for Ford Motor Company and rising to head much of their European Computer organisation, and finishing his career as a private consultant.

Repository:  

Composite Oral History: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12xzlyGxQrqJe6Y6Dp9QLpO6vAqb4JLmx/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=106995194925914651236&rtpof=true&sd=true

Link: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53368/Roger-Coleman-Interview/

Recording: Windows Media Player

Copyright: Tim Greening-Jackson, but unrestricted access permitted subject to due acknowledgements. 

Restrictions: None Known

Interviewee: Gloria Guy

Interviewer: Elizabetta Mori

Date: 13 Nov 2018http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/55627/Gloria-Guy-Interview-13th-November-2018-55627/

Repository: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Pjn04abzIqNhpt8I1md7m8Y6ZJ1fYIc/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=106995194925914651236&rtpof=true&sd=true

Recording on Google Drive

• Interviewee: Alan King                                                            DOB: August 1936

Interviewer: Tony Morgan                                                             Died 2017

Date of Interview: 16.08.2011

Role in Lyons: Systems Research Office, then Lyons Computer Services 

Joined Lyons:  Autumn 1959 

Abstract: Alan studied Classics at Oxford and on graduating was taken on by Lyons in their Systems Research Office. A career working on a number of the Lyons LEO application followed by a senior role in Lyons Systems Services, formed to develop and service computer applications first on LEO machines and later when Lyons replaced LEO with IBM computers. Acting Chief Executive Institute of Administrative Management.

Repository: 

Text:

Edited Text: 

Repository:http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53369/Alan-King-Interview/

Copyright: Leo Computers Society. 

Restrictions: None known

• Interviewee: Ray Hennessy                                                    DOB: December 1934

Interviewer: John Daines                                                                  Died November 2016

Date of Interview: 27.04.2012

Role in Lyons: Programmer 

Joined Lyons:  1959

Abstract: Joined as trainee programmer after being offered jobs by Elliott computing and English Electric..  Worked on many projects including British Oxygen.  Despite temptation to join other companies remained with LEO and its successor companies working in a senior capacity on a number of Government projects and after retirement working as a consultant to ICL and its associated companies. Active in LEO Computers Society until his death.

Repository: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53371/Ray-Hennessy-Interview-27th-April-2012-53371/

Copyright: Leo Computers Society. Restrictions:  None known

• Interviewee: Tony Morgan                                                     DOB: June 1937

Interviewer:   Ray Hennessy

Date of Interview: 08.11.2011

Role in Lyons:  Commissioning Engineer

Joined Lyons:  December 1947

Abstract:  Joined LEO as engineer.  Spent most of his career as commissioning engineer on LEO IIs and IIIs, finishing as senior commissioning engineer.  In retirement LEO Computer Society’s expert on all matters relating to LEO hardware. Active Member of LEO Computers Society

Text Repository: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53373/Tony-Morgan-Interview/

Text:  Transcript being currently edited by Tony Morgan 

Recording: 

Copyright: Leo Computers Society. 

Restrictions: None known

• Interviewee: Bob Gibson                                                        DOB: 18^th May 1927

Interviewer:   Martin Garthwaite                                                  Died: August 2016            

Date of Interview: 

Role in LEO: Manager training and customer support

Joined LEO: February 1956: 

Abstract: Trained as electronic engineer as part of National Service.  After working as an electronic research engineer in Civil Service, recruited by LEO as trainee maintenance engineer.  Took responsibility for training customer engineers and rose to oversee all LEO training as well as managing  engineering maintenance services/  Briefly left LEO to become management consultant but returned to become head of customer services for EELM.  Retired 1988.

Repository: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53374/Bob-Gibson-Interview/

Copyright: Leo Computers Society. 

Restrictions:  None known

• Interviewee: Doug Comish                                                     DOB: 1926

Interviewer:   Martin Garthwaite

Date of Interview: 6^th December 2011

Joined Lyons:  December 1949

Role in Lyons:  Management Trainee to management accountant

Joined LEO: April 1956

Role in LEO: Programming, and education to head of marketing 

Abstract: Born in Liverpool, educated at grammar school, took Mathematics at Kings College,  Cambridge. Then National Service finishing with rank of Captain.  Joined Lyons as a Management Trainee in 1949, rose to management rank in the Lyons Work Office as cost accountant.  Selected to join LEO in 1956.  Long and distinguished career with many roles including education, staff selection, sales and marketing finishing as head of marketing before retirement. Active sportsman, including playing soccer for Cambridge University.

Repository: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53375/Doug-Comish-Interview/

Copyright: Leo Computers Society. 

Restrictions:  None known

• Interviewee: Steve Farrow                                                      DOB: 

Interviewer:   Martin Garthwaite

Date of Interview: 

Role in LEO:  Commissioning and Design Engineer

Joined LEO:   Spring 1957

Abstract: Took Science degree at Imperial College after national service in RAF. Joined LEO after seeing an advertisement. Steve worked as a commissioning engineer first on LEO II machines including commissioning the Bull Printer on LEO II/3 and subsequently on LEO II machines. Achieved rank of Chief Engineer for LEO III. Involved in design of the abandoned LEO IV after merger with English Electric. Subsequent career from 1965with Medical Research Council working as a design engineer.

Repository: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53376/Steve-Farrow-Interview/

Copyright: Leo Computers Society. Restrictions:  None known

• Interviewee: Ray Shaw                                                            DOB: 17^th April 1924
• Interviewer:  Martin Garthwaite
  Date of Interview: 2013
  Role in LEO:  Design Engineer, Project Manager
  Joined LEO: 1949 
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• Please Note: This item is not in LEO Computers collection and is included here for signposting purposes only.
• Date : 2013

Link:http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/61078/Ray-Shaw-Interview/