David Pye (engineer) facts for kids

Sir David Randall Pye (born April 29, 1886 – died February 20, 1960) was a clever British engineer and a leader in education. He was known for his work with engines and airplanes. He also served as the head of University College London (UCL) from 1942 to 1951.

About David Pye

David Pye was born in Hampstead, London, England. He went to Tonbridge School, which is a private school. Later, he studied engineering at Trinity College, Cambridge. He finished his studies in 1908.

Early Career and War Service

In 1909, David Pye started teaching engineering at the University of Oxford. He became a Fellow at New College, Oxford in 1911. A "Fellow" is like a senior member of a college.

During the First World War (from 1916 to 1919), he joined the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force. He worked as an officer, helping with equipment and experiments. After the war, in 1919, he left the military.

Return to Academia and Air Ministry Work

After the war, Pye went back to University of Cambridge as an engineering lecturer. He did important research on internal combustion engines, which are the types of engines found in cars and planes.

In 1925, he started working for the Air Ministry. This was a government department that dealt with air travel and defense. He became the director of scientific research there in 1937. For his important work, he was given an award called the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Helping with the Dam Busters

In 1940, David Pye started a special group to look into how to attack dams from the air. This group was called the Aerial Attack on Dams Advisory Committee. He had already talked about this idea with another famous engineer, Barnes Wallis. This work was important for the famous "Dam Busters" mission during the Second World War.

Later Life and Awards

In 1942, Pye became the head, or Provost, of University College, London (UCL). He helped UCL rebuild and get organized after the Second World War. He retired in 1951 because he was not well. In 1952, he was made a Knight Bachelor, which means he was given the title "Sir" for his achievements.

In the 1955 movie The Dam Busters, which tells the story of the famous mission, David Pye was played by an actor named Stanley van Beers.

David Pye was also the father of William Pye, who became a well-known sculptor.

See also

• Frank Whittle