Old pals all revved up

A FRIENDSHIP which goes back more than 60 years was the basis for the latest book by Derbyshire motorcycle enthusiast Peter McManus.

It's the biography of his long-time friend, Chris Harrison, who was his boss at Rolls-Royce in the 1940s.

"We worked together after the war in engine development and we've never lost touch since 1945," says Peter. "We've been friends all these years."

Chris, who is now 95 and living in Australia, has had a fascinating life, racing motorcycles, making Merlin engines and as an RAF pilot – hence the title of the book: Motorcycles, Merlins and Mosquitos.

"It's all about his motorcycling career and then his wartime flying career," explains Peter.

Born in Watford in 1914, Chris was always fascinated by speed. He loved train travel as a child and was a keen cyclist, although increasingly obsessed with motorbikes.

He moved with his family to Derby in 1930 and bought his first motorbike the following year. It was the beginning of a lifelong passion.

Peter says: "He was still riding motorbikes up to the age of 90. He still works on vintage motorcycles now and still drives a car."

The book recounts Chris's motorcycling adventures and misadventures, including some pretty close shaves and, of course, his racing career at Donington Park, which opened in 1932.

In 1940, Chris was in a reserved occupation, testing aero engines at Rolls-Royce. But he wanted to do more for the war effort and so volunteered to fly with the RAF.

Peter says: "Off he went to America, where he started to learn to fly. Then he was redrafted to Packard, a motorcar factory which, in the war, had changed over completely to Merlin manufacture. He stayed there for nine months which no doubt saved his life."

But there were more dangers to come as Chris returned to his flight training and later volunteered to fly Mosquito Fighters.

"He managed to survive though," says Peter. "And after the war he went back to Rolls-Royce."

This is where Chris and Peter met and discovered their shared passion for motorbikes. They may not have worked together for long – Chris soon transferred to Rolls-Royce's new factory in Australia – but the friendship, like their love of motorbikes, has stood the test of time.

Now 86, Peter, who lives in Newton Solney, is still a keen biker.

"I'm not a born-again motorcyclist because I never gave up," he laughs. "I ride various motorcycles – at the moment a 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub.

Peter is also keeping busy with his next book.

"It's about the motorcycle years 1950 to 1980 but it's motorcycling in Derby. "

Peter McManus will be signing copies of his book in Waterstone's, Derby, on Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

MOTORCYCLES, MERLINS AND MOSQUITOS

BY: Peter McManus

PUBLISHER: Breedon Books .

PRICE: £14.99 (hardback).