ORAL AND NARRATIVE HISTORIES

The LEO Computer Society uses Google Drive to hold records of interviews, reminiscences and memoirs recorded by the Society and others. Links to this material and copies also held by the Computer History museum are provided in the Posts in this section. In the even of any difficulty accessing this material please email the Web Master at vincent.bodsworth@leo-computers.org.uk.

  • Interviewee: John Simmons - Interviewer: Chris EvansDate of Interview: !970sEdited Transcript: Science Museum Copyright: Science Museum Reprinted as Interview between J.R.M. Simmons, Director and Chief Comptroller of J. Lyons & Co., and the Science Museum, London. Appendix B, in Caminer, D.T., Aris, J.B., Hermon, P.M., Lanf, F.F. (editors and contributors) LEO The Incredible Story of the Wold’s first Business Computer, McGraw Hill, New York, […]
  • John Pinkerton (1) - DOB 1919-1997 Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton Interviewer: John Pinkerton, self interview Date of Interview: 23.08.1988Role in LEO: Chief EngineerJoined LEO: 1948 1919 – 1997 Abstract: Pinkerton begins by discussing his education and wartime work in radar technology in England. He then describes his movement into the computer industry after World War II and his work on the LEO I and LEO II computers. […]
  • John Pinkerton (2) - DOB 1919-1997 Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton Interviewer: Chris EvansDate of Interview: 1975Role in LEO: Chief Engineer Joined LEO: 1948 1919-1997 Abstract: John Pinkerton joined Lyons as chief engineer at the very beginning of the LEO initiatve and led the engineering side until the merger with English Electric. He held senior engineering appointments within the merged companies until his retirement. Much of the success of […]
  • Interviewee: Mary Coombs (née Blood1 - DOB 1929 Interviewer: Thomas Lean, British LibraryDate of Interview: 2010 Reference: C1379/16 Role in LEO: Programmer Joined LEO: 1953 Role in LEO: ProgrammerAbstract: This is a full oral history of the life of Mary Coombs as part of the British Libraries Oral History series on the life of selected British Computer scientists. Repository: British Library, National Life Stories, an oral history of British Science Type […]
  • Interviewee: Mary Coombs (née Blood1 - DOB 1929 Interviewer: Thomas Lean, British LibraryDate of Interview: 2010 Reference: C1379/16 Role in LEO: Programmer Joined LEO: 1953 Role in LEO: ProgrammerAbstract: This is a full oral history of the life of Mary Coombs as part of the British Libraries Oral History series on the life of selected British Computer scientists. Repository: British Library, National Life Stories, an oral history of British Science Type […]
  • Interviewee: Mary Coombs (née Blood) 2 - DOB 1929 Interviewer: GoogleDate of Interview: 21.11.2011Role in LEO: Programmer, DOB: 1929 Joined LEO: 1953Abstract: Google interviewed and filmed a number of old LEO employees including Mary Coombs as part of the celebration at the Science Museum of the 60th anniversary of the roll out of the first business application on the LEO I computer. Narrated by Georgina Ferry/ Repository:Interview TextType of […]
  • Interviewee: Frank Land (1) - DOB: 24.10.1928 Role in LEO: Programmer, Systems Analyst, Marketing, Consultant Joined LEO: 1953Abstract: This is a full oral history of the life of Frank Land as part of the British Libraries Oral History series on the life of selected British Computer scientists. Repository: British Library, National Life Stories, an Oral History of British Science Type of recorder: Marantz PMD661 on […]
  • Interviewee: Frank Land (2) - DOB: 24.10.1928 Interviewer: GoogleDate of Interview: 21.11.2011Role in LEO: Programmer, Systems Analyst, Marketing, Consultant Joined LEO: 1953Abstract: Google interviewed and filmed a number of old LEO employees including Frank Land as part of the celebration at the Science Museum of the 60th anniversary of the roll out of the first business application on the LEO I computer. Narrated by Georgina Ferry/ Repository: […]
  • Interviewee: Frank Land (3) - DOB: 24.10.1928 Interviewer: Professor Alan EardleyDate of Interview: 21.02.2016Role in LEO: Programmer, Systems Analyst, Marketing, Consultant Joined LEO: 1953 Abstract: Professor Alan Eardley interviewed and filmed Frank Land as part of his collection of material on the history of computing for his inaugural lecture at Stafford University, April 14th 2016. Repository: Frank Land Interview: Editing in processCopyright: Alan EardleyRestrictions: Interview and video will be available to […]
  • Interviewee: Frank Land (4) - DOB: 24.10.1928  Interviewer: Paul Jagger, Director Archive ITDate of Interview: 22.05.2018Editor: Helen Carter, ArchiveIT Role in LEO: Programmer, Systems Analyst, Marketing, Consultant Joined LEO: 1953 Abstract: Archives IT are conducting and archiving interviews of UK individuals who have contributed to the development and evolution of IT. Frank Land has been added to the archive with a whole life interview. Ninian Eady is also […]
  • Interviewee:Ralph Land(2) - DOB:24.10.1928 Interviewer: Martin Garthwaite as part of LEO Computer Society’s Oral History ProjectDate of Interview: 31st October 2011 Role in LEO: Bureau Manager, Export Manager Joined LEO: 1954 Abstract: Ralph joined the Lyons Teashop Division in 1953 as management accountant for the Teashops and transferred to LEO in 1954. He rose to manager of the LEO City Office followed by spells […]
  • Interviewee:Ralph Land(1) - Interviewer: GoogleDate of Interview: 21.11.2 011Role in LEO: Bureau Manager, Export Manager Joined LEO: 1954 DOB:24.10.1928 Abstract: Google interviewed and filmed a number of old LEO employees including Ralph Land as part of the celebration at the Science Museum of the 60th anniversary of the roll out of the first business application on the LEO I computer. Narrated by Georgina Ferry/ Repository: […]
  • Interviewee: Ernest Kaye - Interviewer: GoogleDate of Interview: 21.11.2011Role in LEO: Design Engineer, head of engineering procurement Joined LEO: 1949 Abstract: Google interviewed and filmed a number of old LEO employees including Ernest Kaye as part of the celebration at the Science Museum of the 60th anniversary of the roll out of the first business application on the LEO I computer. Narrated by Georgina Ferry. Repository: […]
  • Interviewee: Betty Cooper (nee Newman) - DOB: 1930 Died: Aug 2019 Interviewer: Janet AbbateDate of Interview: September 2001Role in LEO: Programmer on LEO I and LEO II/I Joined LEO: 1953 Abstract: Betty joined Lyons as a labour cost clerk in the Statistical Office in September 1949. In 1953 she was selected for a LEO appreciation course, and as a result was offered a job as a programmer on LEO […]
  • Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton (2) - Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton Interviewer: Chris EvansDate of Interview: 1975Role in LEO: Chief Engineer Joined LEO: 1948 1919-1997 Abstract: John Pinkerton joined Lyons as chief engineer at the very beginning of the LEO initiatve and led the engineering side until the merger with English Electric. He held senior engineering appointments within the merged companies until his retirement. Much of the success of the LEO […]
  • Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton (1) - Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton  Interviewer: John Pinkerton, self interview  Date of Interview: 23.08.1988Role in LEO: Chief EngineerJoined LEO: 1948 Abstract: Pinkerton begins by discussing his education and wartime work in radar technology in England. He then describes his movement into the computer industry after World War II and his work on the LEO I and LEO II computers. In this context […]
  • Interviewee: John Simmons - Interviewer: Chris EvansDate of Interview: !970sEdited Transcript: Science Museum Copyright: Science Museum Reprinted as Interview between J.R.M. Simmons, Director and Chief Comptroller of J. Lyons & Co., and the Science Museum, London. Appendix B, in Caminer, D.T., Aris, J.B., Hermon, P.M., Lanf, F.F. (editors and contributors) LEO The Incredible Story of the Wold’s first Business Computer, McGraw Hill, New York, […]
  • Interviewee: Chris Date - Interviewee: Chris Date Interviewer: Thomas Haigh Date of Interview: 13/06/2007 Role in LEO: Mathematical Programmer Joined LEO: 1962 Abstract: Chris Date, well known for his work on Database theory and practice started his career with LEO in 1962 – 1967, and provides a description of his experience on pages 7 – 9 of the transcript of […]