The LEO Computers Society has initiated an Oral History Project assisted by funding from the Association for Information Technology (AIT) Trust. Recordings and edited transcripts are held in the Societies Google Drive service and can also be accessed on the Centre for Computer History web site .The list of Oral Histories taken to-date (January 2023) includes:
- 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: Alan Sercombe - Interviewer: John Hoey Date of Interview: 23/07/2014 Role in LEO: Programmer Joined LEO: 1959 Abstract: Alan received degree in mathematics and after National Service joined Armstrong Siddeley as a programmer on a Ferranti Mark I. The company’s merger with another aircraft manufacturer led to his leaving and joining LEO. He worked on the LEO II at Standard Motors, but in […]
- Interviewee: Betty Cooper - Interviewee: Betty Cooper (nee Newman) DOB: 1930 Interviewer: Janet Abbate Date of Interview: September 2001 Role 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 […]
- Interviewee: John Daines - Interviewer: Ray Hennessy Date of Interview: 26/04/2012 Role in LEO: Computer Operator Joined LEO: October 1961 Abstract: John was an operator in the LEO II bureau and then did acceptance trials for LEO III systems in the Minerva Road factory before moving onto System 4 trials and software development. His oral history covers the role of operators in the […]
- Interviewee: Simon Benedictus - Interviewer: David Phillips Date of Interview: 17.04.2012 Role in LEO: Statistician Joined LEO: Abstract: Mathematics degree from Imperial College, followed after National Service by Masters in Statistics from LSE. Joined Lyons Maid (Ice Cream division of J. Lyons) working on weather based Ice Cream forecasting. Helped define LEO Ice Cream sales job, later working on bakery sales. Remained […]
- Interviewee: Roger Coleman - 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 […]
- Interviewee: Gloria Guy - 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: 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 […]
- Interviewee: Alan King - 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 […]
- Interviewee: Ray Hennessy - 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 […]
- Interviewee: Tony Morgan - 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 […]
- Interviewee: Bob Gibson - 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 […]
- Interviewee: Doug Comish - Interviewer: Martin Garthwaite Date of Interview: 6th 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 […]
- Interviewee: Steve Farrow - 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. […]
- Interviewee: Ray Shaw - Link:http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/61078/Ray-Shaw-Interview/
- Interviewee: Ray Shaw - Interviewer John Daines Date of Interview: 27th September 2016 Role in LEO: Design Engineer, Project Manager Joined LEO: 1949 Abstract: Joined Pinkerton as a design engineer, rising to senior design engineer for LEO I and II. Left LEO in 1956 to work with John Bennet in Australia at Sydney University. A distinguished career as project manager and design engineer with […]
- Interviewee: Rodney Hornstein - Interviewee: Rodney Hornstein Interviewer: Vince BodsworthDate of interview: 3 December 2018Length of recording: 1h19m59sFormat: 1 original .mp3 recording 45.83MB (transferred to .mov video for presentation on YouTube 307MB)Copyright in recording content: Rodney Hornstein and LEO Computers Society Transcript editor: unknown Abstract: Joined LEO Computers as a programmer after being interviewed by Frank Land following summer jobs […]
- Interviewee: Neil Lamming - Interviewer: Martin Garthwaite Date of Interview: 31.01.2012 Role in LEO: Programmer, Consultant, Manager Joined LEO : 1960 Abstract: As a mathematics graduate Neil chose LEO when offered jobs in the computing industry. Started work at Hartree House working on Army Payroll, joined team at Renold Chains and subsequently recruited to join Peter Gyngell in Australia. Rapid rise post […]
- Interviewee: Margaret Baty - Interviewer: Peter Byford Date of Interview: October, 2015 Role Lyons: Joined Lyons: Abstract: Repository: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/62997/Margaret-Baty-Interview/ Copyright: Leo Computers Society. Restrictions: None Known
- Interviewee: Ernest Roberts - Interviewer: Ray Hennessy Date of Interview: April 2016 Joined LEO: 1954 Abstract: Joined LEO following Mathematics degree at Oxford University and National Service. Started as programmer under Leo Fantl working on mainly mathematical applications on LEO I. Spend whole career with LEO and successor companies as a senior application and software programmer retiring aged 60. Repository:http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/53379/Ernest-Roberts-Interview/ Recording: Copyright: LEO […]
- Interviewee: Derek Jolly - Interviewer: Cyril Platman Died June 2018 Date of Interview: 11th April 2016 Joined LEO: Circa 1953-55 Abstract: After grammar school started training as an accountant, but decided to try something else and was interviewed by David Caminer, and Tony Barnes and offered a job with LEO I as an operator. Worked on LEO I, LEO II and LEO III. […]
- Interviewee: Peter Bird - Interviewer: Tony Morgan Died: September 2017 Date of Interview: 6th September 2016 Joined Lyons: 1964 Abstract: After a career in the Merchant Navy achieving his Masters certificate ‘discovered’ computing, studied programming and applied for Jobs in computing. Interviewed by Lyons for an operator job and joined Lyons 1964 as an operator on the LEO III. Promoted rapidly to Operations Manager, then overall Systems […]
- Interviewee: Peter Wharton - Interviewer: John Daines Date of Interview: November 2nd 2016 Joined LEO: 1962 Abstract: Joined as a mathematical working on linear programming transportation applications. Long career with LEO and its successor companies working at various locations including Hartree House and subsequently Kidsgrove. His work involved hardware and software design as well as applications and he finished with the title of Chief […]
- Interviewee: Paul Dixon - Interviewer: Mike Storey Date of Interview: 4th April 2016, Transcribed 2nd February 2017 Joined LEO 1955 Role in LEO: Programmer, Consultant Abstract: Paul Dixon, a refugee from Czechoslovakia (Prague) in 1947, graduated from Manchester University with an honours degree in Economics and Politics. Intrigued by an advertisement for programmers, applied, was interviewed by Peter Hermon and joined LEO Computers […]
- Interviewee: Michael Mills - Interviewer: David Phillips Date of Interview: 7th February 2017 Joined LEO: 1958 Role in LEO: Maintenance Engineer LEO II Abstract: A lively, chatty interview full of personal anecdotes relating to his life and work experiences. Concentrated on Maths at School and awarded scholarship to Cambridge. But opted to do National Service in Royal Signals, for two years, rising […]
- Interviewee: Patrick Blakes - Interviewee: Patrick Blakes I nterviewer: Cyril Platman Date of Interview: 27th July 2016 Joined LEO: 1958 Role in LEO: Commissioning and Maintenance Engineer LEO I and LEO III Abstract: Received background training in Electronics doing his National Service in the Royal Air Force. Decided on career in that field after seeing an advert for trainee engineers from LEO. After training […]
- Interviewee: Ian White - Interviewer: Mike Hally Date of Interview: 6th December 2016 Transcribed: 27th December 2016 Editor: Bob Marsh received copy for editing 5th January 2017 Joined LEO: Summer 1955 Role in LEO: Design Engineer on LEO II Abstract: Studies Natural Sciences at St Andrews, specially interested in Electronics. Commissioned in REME and posted to teach at Shrivenham, On discharge interviewed by Pinkerton […]
- Interviewee: Tony Earnshaw - Interviewer: David Phillips Joined LEO: Not clear. Worked on LEO III/6 Shell-Mex and BP in 1965 as part of site engineering team Role in LEO: Maintenance Engineer Date of Interview: 16th February 2017 Transcribed: 19th February 2017 Editor: David Phillips is undertaking a first edit of the transcript of a very confusing and chronologically muddled interview. Tony Earnshaw will […]
- Interviewee: Peter Hermon - Interviewer: Neville Lyons Joined LEO: September 1955 Role in LEO: Programmer, Consultant Date of Interview: 15th June 2017 Transcribed: 28th June 2017 Editor: Bob Marsh. Edited version to Dropbox 7th July 2017 Abstract: Peter Hermon joined LEO after he obtained first class honours from St. John’s Oxford, and seeing an advertisement for a mathematician from J. Lyons. He was one […]
- Interviewee: Peter Byford - Interviewee: Peter Byford DOB: 1944 Editor: Frank Land, May 2018 Abstract: Peter had a long career in computing starting when he left Grammar School aged just 17 and following an advertisement applied to LEO Computers Limited. Passing the aptitude test as the sole non-graduate applicant at that time, he was trained as a programmer to work on the LEOIII/1 […]
- Interviewee: Geoff Pye - Interviewee: Geoff Pye DOB: 1932 Interviewer: Paul Bygrave Date of Interview: 3rd August, 2017 Editor: Frank Land Joined LEO: 1956 Abstract Geoff Pye was brought up in near Ilford, East London, took a degree in Geography at Kings College, University of London, and after 2 years National Service, looked to start a career as a Management Trainee. Applying to Lyons amongst other companies […]
- Interviewee: Mike Gifford - Interviewee: Mike Gifford DOB: 1936 Interviewer: Dag Spicer Date of Interview: 30th September 2017 Editors: Bob Marsh (P1) and Frank Land (p2) Nov 2017 Joined LEO: 1959 or 1960 Role in LEO: Started as temporary assistant at Minerva Road, then trained as consultant at Hartree House and rose rapidly working as consultant in a variety of locations including the Midlands, North West […]
- Interviewee: Mike Thompson - Interviewee: Mike Thompson, Interviewer: Elisabetta MoriDate of interview: 6 December 2017Length of recording: 1h3m56sFormat: original .m4a recording 141.85MB (transferred to .mov video for presentation on YouTube 233.94MB)Copyright in recording content: Mike Thompson and LEO Computers Society Transcript editor: unknown Abstract: Joined LEO Computers in 1962 as an operator on LEO III/1 and later trained other operators, […]
- Interviewee: Jean Elliott (Cox) - Interviewee: Jean Elliott (Cox) DOB: Interviewer: Elisabetta Mori Joined LEO: Probably 1948/49 having been a Lyons clerk Role in LEO: Clerical assistant to John Pinkerton Abstract: One of the earliest to join the LEO team as a clerical assistant involved in a variety of tasks such as filing and note taking for the design team comprising John Pinkerton, Ray Shaw […]
- Interviewee: Alan Hooker - Interviewee: Alan Hooker DOB: 23rd May 1934 Interviewer: Paul Bygrave Date of Interview: 21st November 2018 Editors: David Phillips (P1) and Mike Jackson (P2) Joined LEO: May/June 1958 Role in LEO: Programmer on LEO I, LEO II and LEO III rising to Programming Manager. Left LEO: 1965 Abstract: After failing to take a Physics degree at Bristol University followed by National […]
- Interviewee: Alan Jacobs - Interviewee: Alan Jacobs D.O.B. 16.06.1931 Interviewer: David Phillips Date of Interview: 17.10.2018 Editor: Frank Land Joined LEO: 1957 Abstract: Alan, born in Stoke, took a degree in History at St John’s, Oxford, commencing in 1950, after National Service in the RAF and tried a number of jobs as management trainee, but was not inspired by them. Tempted by LEO advert and after […]
- Interviewee: Frank Land - Interviewee: Frank Land DOB: 24.10.1928 Interviewer: Thomas Lean, British Library Date of Interview: 2010 Reference: C1379/17 Role in LEO: Programmer, Systems Analyst, Marketing, Consultant Joined LEO: 1953 Abstract: 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. […]
- Interviewee: Brian Mills - Interviewee: Brian Mills DOB: 1933 Interviewer: David Phillips Date of Interview: Editor: Frank Land, September 2018 Joined LEO: July 8th 1957 Abstract After completing Grammar School from a primarily languages stream, Brian completed his National Service of two years in the Royal Corps of Signals with the rank of 2nd lieutenant. A degree in Economics from Bristol University followed, completed in […]
- Interviewee: John Durham - Interviewee: John Durham DOB: 31st August 1939 Interviewer: David Phillips Date of Interview: 22.02.2019 Editors: Michael and Helen Jackson Joined LEO: 1963 Role in LEO: Programmer then sales and marketing Left LEO: Abstract: After a degree in Industrial Economics at Nottingham University University joined LEO, having been impressed by the drive of the team from LEO interviewing him as part of the milk-round recruiting […]
- Interviewee: John Gardner - Interviewee: John Gardner , FBCS CITP D.O.B: 1937 Interviewer: Graham Briscoe Date of Interview: Unusually, because of the Covid-19 lockdown, the oral history consists of answers to questions sent by the interviewer in March 2020. Editor: Frank Land Abstract: Trained as an apprentice engineer and spent 7 years working with EMI. Saw advert from LEO for engineer but wanted to […]
- Interviewee: Barry Fox - Interviewee: Barry Fox DOB 1935 Interviewer: John Daines Date of Interview: 19th July 2017 Editors: David Phillips (P1) and Frank Land (P2) Joined LEO installation: 1958 Role at LEO: Programmer Left LEO: 1966 Abstract: Graduated from Birmingham University with a Maths degree before National Service in where he learned programming on an Elliott 402 machine. Enjoying programming he applied for a programming […]
- Interviewee: Helen Jackson (Nee Clark) - Interviewee: Helen Jackson (Nee Clark)“ DOB: June 1936 Status of Interview: The Interview is part of LCS Oral History Project but was not a recorded interview, the transcript compiled by interviewer Helen Jackson’s husband Michael. Interviewer: Michael Jackson Date of Interview: March 2021 Editor: Michael Jackson Joined LEO: September 1957 Role in LEO: Application Programmer Abstract: Born in Wigan. After A levels in 1954 went to Manchester […]
- Interviewee: John Page - Interviewee: John Page DOB: 1944 Interviewer: Dag Spicer, Computer History Museum, CA. Date of Interview: April 11th 2017 Joined LEO: 1958? Role in LEO: Commissioning Engineer Abstract: Scholarship boy at St Clements Danes, public School. Interested in radio and electronics as a hobby. Chance encounter with friend working at Lyons led to application to LEO. Did well in LEO aptitude test and offered job […]
- Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton - Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton 1919-1997 Interviewer: Chris Evans Date of Interview: 1975 Role in LEO: Chief Engineer Joined LEO: 1948 Abstract: John Pinkerton joined Lyons as chief engineer at the very beginning of the LEO initiative and led the engineering side until the merger with English Electric. He held senior engineering appointments within the merged companies until […]
- Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton - Interviewee: John M.M. Pinkerton (1919 – 1997) Interviewer: John Pinkerton, self interview Date of Interview: 23.08.1988 Role in LEO: Chief Engineer Joined 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 […]
- Interviewee: John Simmons - Interviewee: John Simmons Interviewer: Chris Evans Date of Interview: 1970s Edited 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., Land, F.F. (editors and contributors) LEO The Incredible Story of the […]
- Interviewee: Ralph Land - Interviewee: Ralph Land Interviewer: Martin Garthwaite as part of LEO Computer Society’s Oral History Project Date 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 […]
- Interviewee: Mary Coombs (née Blood) - Interviewee: Mary Coombs (née Blood) DOB: 1929 Interviewer: Thomas Lean, British Library Date of Interview: 2010 Reference: C1379/16 Role in LEO: Programmer Joined LEO: 1953 Abstract: This is a full oral history of the life of Mary Coombs as part of the British Library Oral History series on the life of selected British Computer scientists. Repository: British […]
- Interviewee: Brian Grimshaw - Interviewee: Brian Grimshaw DOB 24 December 1948 Interviewer: Mike Hally Date of Interview: 9th February 2021 Editors: Mike Tyzack (P1) and Mike Jackson (P2) Mar 2021 Joined LEO installation Shell Mex & BP Wythenshaw: 1967 Role on LEO: Computer Operator starting with offline work, progressing through tape loading to full control of the computer. Left LEO/Shell:1968 Abstract: After […]
- Interviewee: Ken Kemp - Interviewee: Ken Kemp DOB during the war Interviewer: SELF see memoirs and reminiscences below Date of Interview: September 2020 Joined LEO: September 1964 Role in LEO: Trainee programmer progressing to Head of Systems & Programming Left LEO: Transferred to BARIC leaving in 1984 Abstract: Following graduation joined as trainee programmer on LEO III at LEO’s Bristol bureau. Progressed […]
- Interviewee: Margaret Fox - Interviewee: Margaret Fox DOB pre war Interviewer: John Daines Date of Interview: 19th July 2017 Editors: Hilary Caminer (P1) and Frank Land (P2) Joined LEO: not known Role on LEO: Programmer Left LEO/customer: 1962 Abstract: After leaving University she joined LEO as a programmer working on payroll. After giving birth she did some home working. Then she moved […]
- Interviewee: Mike Jackson - Interviewee: Mike Jackson DOB 1931 Interviewer: Elisabetta Mori Date of Interview: 25th July 2018 Editors: Mike Jackson (P1) and Frank Land (P3) Joined LEO 1957 Role at LEO: Programmer, lecturer, project manager, senior consultant (sales) Left LEO 1964 Abstract: After University joined LEO as trainee programmer on LEO II. Later lectured on a course. Project leader for […]
- Ian Bruce - Interviewee: Ian Bruce DOB: 11 November 1947 Interviewer: Mike Hally Editor: Tony Morgan and Frank Land Role in LEO: Site engineer Joined LEO (EELM): circa 1967 Date of Interview: 5th July 2017 Abstract: Left school in Edinburgh aged 15 to be apprenticed to his father’s Radio and TV supply and repair shop. After 4 years, expecting to take over the business, his father sold the business leaving […]
- Peter Wharton - Interviewee: Peter Wharton Interviewer: John Daines Date of Interview: 2nd November 2016 Editors: David Phillips (P1) and Bob Marsh (P2) Additional Editing: Frank Land (FL)Joined LEO: 1962Role in LEO: ProgrammerAbstract: After West Bromwich Grammar School and graduating with a maths degree from Leicester University. Following the advice of a friend who had become a computer programmer, responded to a LEO job advert, was called for […]
- Ninian Eadie - LEO Interviewee: Ninian Eadie DOB 15th March 1937 Interviewer: Two Interviews, by ArchivesUK, and for LEO Oral History Project by John Ferguson plus a third memoir by Eadie himself. Date of Interview: LEO interview 6th July 2017Joined 1960Role in LEO: Joined LEO as a trainee programmer, rose rapidly in a variety of roles including teaching, defining CLEO, […]
- Interviewee: Neville Lyons - DOB: 16th April 1928 Interviewer: PhillipsDate of Interview: 19/04/2022Role in LEO: Trustee LEO Computers SocietyJoined LEO: Joined LEO Computers Society as ‘friend’ in 2014Abstract:After a career as a Professional soldier, serving as adjutant while a junior officer and rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, found his metier in acting as a communicator. Discovering his distant relationship to Joe Lyons and the […]
- Georgina Ferry Transcripts - Georgina Ferry has donated the unedited transcripts of the people she interviewed for her book A Computer called LEO to the Heritage Project of the LEO Computers Society. The following interviewees are included:Anthony Salmon, Maurice Wilkes, David Wheeler, Murray Laver, David Caminer, John Pinkerton, Ernest Kaye, Ray Shaw, Derek Hemy, Peter Hermon, John Aris, Mary Coombs, Ralph […]