28.10.2013

Eric Charles Millard 1926-2013

We have just received the sad news that Eric Millard, European engineering director for Grove Cranes has died.

Millard, 87,spent a lifetime in the crane industry, having joined Allen of Oxford in 1941 as pupil in the drawiing office. He joined the RAF in 1944, returing to Allen in 1948, following service in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)following the end of the war. He gradually worked his way up in the drawing office becoming deputy chief draughtsman in 1960. He moved on up following the acquisition of the company by Grove in the mid 1960s, becoming head of engineering.

He led the team responsible for the engineering involved with putting larger Grove superstructures onto European Faun carriers at the end of the 1970’s. He and his team then designed a series of large Grove carriers, starting with the eight axle 140 tonne TM1400E, using hydro-gas suspension and multi-axle steering.
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Eric Millard in 1981

In the mid 1980’s, after Grove acquired Coles, he transferred to Groves’ Shady Grove facility in Pennsylvania, where he is still remembered fondly. He returned to his home town of Oxford five years later when he retired.

He passed away peacefully on 1st September after a long period of ill health, and leaves behind his wife Hilary, children Rowena and Christopher, along with five grandchildren and a great grandchild.

As well as being a talented and versatile engineer, he was always a true gentleman and the world is a poorer place for his passing.