IT’S A DATE - IMPORTANT DATES IN THE LIFE OF SD
1899 - James Drewry joins pioneer car manufacturer, DeDion as an Apprentice.
1903 - James Drewry designs Drewry railcar.
1910 - Lacre Motor Company moves from Long Acre in London to the newly developing Letchworth Garden City. James Drewry is Chief Engineer.
1911 - Harry Shelvoke joins Lacre as General Manager.
1920-22 (probably) - James Drewry and Harry Shelvoke devise an innovative 2 ton lorry that becomes the SD Freighter. Who was actually responsible for the innovative design is still a contentious issue. Was it James Drewry, with Harry Shelvoke providing the marketing know-how? Or both men jointly? The prototype was said to have been assembled in a barn at Harry Shelvoke’s home.
1922 (October) - Shelvoke & Drewry Limited founded when Lacre shows no interest in the design. The new company set-up in Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City. The initial premises covered 6,600 sq. ft. and employed 30 people.
- SD Apprenticeship scheme started.
