Andrew Bryan (engineer) facts for kids
Sir Andrew Meikle Bryan (born March 1, 1893, died June 26, 1988) was a very important Scottish mining engineer and a professor. He was known for his work in the mining industry, helping to make mines safer and training new engineers. He was even knighted by the King for his great contributions.
His Life Story
Andrew Bryan was born on March 1, 1893. His father was John Bryan, from a town called Hamilton, Lanarkshire in Scotland. Andrew went to Greenfields School and then to the famous Hamilton Academy. He was later recognized as a notable former student of Hamilton Academy.
His Career and Work
After finishing school, Andrew Bryan started working in a local coal mine. While working, he also studied in evening classes to learn more. In 1912, he won a special scholarship to attend the University of Glasgow. His studies were paused when he served in World War I. After the war, he finished his degree in Mining in 1919. Later, he earned more advanced degrees from Glasgow University. In 1919, he also got his top certificate to manage mines.
From 1920 to 1932, he worked as a Mines Inspector. He checked mines in the Newcastle and Durham areas to make sure they were safe. In 1932, Andrew Bryan became a professor at the University of Glasgow. He held the James S. Dixon Chair of Mining. This special teaching position was created by another former student of Hamilton Academy, James Stedman Dixon. Andrew Bryan taught there until 1940.
In 1940, he became the General Manager of the Shotts Iron Co. Ltd. This company was mainly involved in coal mining. He became a Director in 1942 and the Managing Director in 1944.
During the Second World War, Andrew Bryan took on important roles for Britain. From 1939 to 1940, he was the Deputy Director of Mining Supplies. In 1943, he became the Group Production Director for Scotland, helping manage fuel and power.
In 1947, he returned to the Mines Inspectorate. He became the Chief Inspector of Mines, a very important job. He held this position until 1951.
In 1951, he joined the National Coal Board. Here, he focused on finding, training, and developing new staff for the mining industry. He gave talks to schools and colleges. He also helped at summer schools for people working in mining. He retired from the Board in 1957. However, he continued to advise them on health, safety, and staffing. He also worked as a general mining consultant.
In 1945, Andrew Bryan was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group that recognizes top scientists and thinkers in Scotland. In March 1950, he was knighted by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. This meant he could be called "Sir Andrew Bryan."
Professional Groups
Sir Andrew Bryan was part of many important professional groups during his career. These groups bring together experts in a field to share knowledge and set standards. He often served as a leader or council member in these organizations:
- Institute of Ceramics
- Institute of Fuel (he was Chairman of the Scottish Section in 1945)
- Institution of Mining and Metallurgy
- Institution of Mining Engineers (he was President from 1950 to 1952)
- Mining Association of Great Britain
- Mining Institute of Scotland (he was President from 1948 to 1949)
- National Association of Colliery Managers (he was President in 1946)
- North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers
Today, a group called the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining gives out a special award. It's called the Sir Andrew Bryan Medal. It's given to people who have made great and lasting contributions to the Institute and its work.
Sir Andrew Meikle Bryan passed away on June 26, 1988.
His Family
Andrew Bryan married Henrietta Paterson Begg in 1922.
