Lindsay Everard

Sir William Lindsay Everard
Born	(1891-03-13) March 13, 1891 Knighton, Leicester, England
Died	March 11, 1949(1949-03-11) (aged 57) Torquay, Devon, England
Occupation(s)	Brewer, politician, philanthropist, aviation pioneer
Years active	1924–1949
Known for	Establishing Ratcliffe Aerodrome; managing Everards Brewery; Air Transport Auxiliary contributions

Sir William Lindsay Everard (13 March 1891 – 11 March 1949) was a prominent brewer, politician, and philanthropist based in Leicestershire. He established the Ratcliffe Aerodrome and was recognized as a trailblazing aviator, receiving a knighthood for his vital role in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II. For nearly a quarter of a century, he managed Everards Brewery and also held a seat in parliament.

Pioneering Aviation Contributions

Sir Lindsay was instrumental in the development of aviation during wartime. In 1930, he inaugurated Ratcliffe Aerodrome close to his residence and near Ratcliffe College. He assumed the presidency of the Leicester Aeroclub in 1928 and acquired a de Havilland Gipsy Moth in 1929, which he named "The Quorn." The club operated out of Carts Field at Desford, staging major air displays that attracted large audiences. His personal aircraft collection included the de Havilland Puss Moth dubbed "The Leicestershire" and he had a particular preference for the Percival Gull Four P.1.B Mk. IIa.

The launch of Ratcliffe Aerodrome featured a 'Grand Air Pageant' on 6 September 1930, showcasing renowned aviators such as Amy Johnson and Sir Sefton Brancker. This event drew approximately 5,000 spectators and involved more than 100 aircraft in flight demonstrations. The aerodrome was equipped with top-tier amenities including hangars, a clubhouse, and an outdoor swimming pool, establishing it as a leading civil aviation venue.

Despite not being a pilot himself, Sir Lindsay employed skilled personal pilots who participated in international competitions. His fleet included a de Havilland Dragon that secured the Oasis Trophy in Cairo. Together with pilot Lt. Com. Phillips, he claimed victory in the Grosvenor Cup air race. Distinguished aviators like Winifred Spooner and Albert Codling—his Chief Inspector responsible for aircraft upkeep—were associated with him. Additionally, he promoted gliding activities and served as the inaugural president of the Model Aero Club.

The County Flying Club was initially based at Ratcliffe before moving to Rearsby on property owned by Sir Lindsay in 1938. That same year, Alexander Lance Wykes of Crowthers Limited obtained a license from American firm Taylorcraft to manufacture light aircraft in England. The Taylorcraft "Plus C" made its first flight at Ratcliffe Aerodrome in May 1939 and later developed into the wartime Taylorcraft-Auster Mk 1, with production reaching 100 units by 1942. Post-war, the Auster continued to hold significance.

With the onset of World War II, all civil aviation activities ceased on 31 August 1939. Due to its central position, Ratcliffe became crucial for ATA ferry operations, designated as ferry pool no. 6 among the original fourteen established in 1942. Throughout the war, the aerodrome expanded to accommodate around 50,000 ferry flights involving new and repaired aircraft transfers.

After the ATA was disbanded, an air show held on 6 October 1945 featured Geoffrey de Havilland to commemorate its conclusion. Sir Lindsay received his knighthood during wartime for his contributions to both aviation and commerce. The Leicester Aeroclub restarted in 1947, hosting events that attracted thousands until Sir Lindsay’s passing in 1949. Following his death, when his estate was sold to non-aviators, Ratcliffe Aerodrome closed on 25 March 1950; it gradually deteriorated over time with some structures converted into farm buildings.

Career and Philanthropy

Sir Lindsay Everard was at the helm of Everards Brewery from 1925 until his passing in 1949. Established in 1849 by William Everard, the brewery focused on producing ales and managed a network of over 150 pubs throughout Leicestershire. While Sir Lindsay oversaw operations based in Burton upon Trent, his son Tony Everard took over leadership from 1949 to 1988 and subsequently moved the company headquarters back to Leicester.

In 1924, Sir Lindsay received the appointment as High Sheriff of Leicestershire and served multiple terms as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Melton in 1924, 1929, 1931, and 1935. That same year, he participated in a first-class cricket match representing Leicestershire.

His commitment to the local community was demonstrated through substantial donations of land and support to civil flying clubs in Leicestershire. In 1927, he undertook preservation efforts for the historic ruins of Ulverscroft Priory, and in 1930 he constructed Bradgate Hall to replace an earlier wooden venue used for village events.

Personal

Born on 13 March 1891 in Knighton, Leicester, Sir William Lindsay Everard received his education at Harrow School followed by Trinity College, Cambridge.

He resided at Ratcliffe Hall located in Ratcliffe on the Wreake and owned two Bentley automobiles, one of which was newly acquired in 1929. He was married to Cornelia Ione Kathleen Beresford-Armstrong, known as Lady Everard; their offspring included Patrick Anthony William Beresford Everard and Bettyne Ione. Sir Lindsay passed away on 11 March 1949 in Torquay, Devon, at the age of 57.

Sources

• Ratcliffe Aerodrome History at Ratcliffe College
• Leicestershire Aero Club
• Everards Brewery
• The Story of the Air Transport Auxiliary. E.C. Cheeseman
• The Forgotten Pilots. Lettice Curtis
• Aviation in Leicestershire and Rutland. Roy Bonser