Bill Wittrick facts for kids

Professor William Henry Wittrick (1922–1986) was a very smart British engineer and university professor. He spent 20 years living and working in Australia. For 10 of those years, he was a Professor of Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Sydney. This means he taught about how airplanes are designed and built. Later, he became a professor at the University of Birmingham in England, teaching about how structures like buildings and bridges are made strong.

Early Life and Education

William Wittrick was born on October 29, 1922, in a town called Huddersfield in England. He went to high school at Huddersfield College. He was a very good student and won scholarships. These scholarships helped him go to the famous University of Cambridge. He earned his first degree there in 1943.

In 1950, he achieved something special. He received the very first PhD degree ever given out by the University of Sydney. A PhD is the highest university degree you can get, showing you are an expert in your field. His PhD was about how airplane wings bend and twist. Later, he earned another high degree, an Sc.D., from Cambridge University in 1969.

Helping During the War

During World War II, William Wittrick used his engineering skills to help. For a short time in 1942, he worked at the Hawker Aircraft Company, which made airplanes. Then, he taught engineering to young officer cadets at Cambridge University. From 1944 to 1945, he worked as a scientist at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. This place helped improve airplanes for the war effort.

Career in Australia

In June 1945, William Wittrick married Joyce. At just 23 years old, he moved to Australia. He took a job as a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney. He taught in the Department of Aeronautics, which is all about airplanes and flying. He worked there from 1945 to 1954.

He quickly moved up in his career. From 1954 to 1956, he was a "Reader," which is a senior academic position. Then, in 1956, he became the Lawrence Hargrave Professor of Aeronautical Engineering. He held this important role until 1964. In 1958, he was recognized for his great work and became a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA). This means he was chosen as one of Australia's top scientists.

Return to England

In 1964, Professor Wittrick decided to move back to England. He accepted a new job at the University of Birmingham. He became the head of Structural Engineering, teaching about how to build strong structures. He worked in this role until 1969.

After that, he became the Beale Professor of Civil Engineering at the same university. Civil engineering involves designing and building things like roads, bridges, canals, and buildings. He stayed in this position until 1982. In 1980, he received another big honor. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), which is one of the oldest and most respected scientific groups in the world.

Retirement and Legacy

Professor Wittrick retired in 1982 when he was 60 years old because of health issues. He was given the title of Emeritus Professor, which is an honor for retired professors. He passed away on July 2, 1986, in Birmingham, England. He is remembered for his important contributions to engineering and for teaching many students.