HAMSON-LANE Family History

Employment History (1920-1962)

Percy Eastland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left click images for an expanded view.

 

After losing his left leg while fighting overseas during World War I (1914-1918), Percy took advantage of the Government sponsored Admiralty Rehabilitation Scheme for Disabled Servicemen to secure apprenticeship training and then employment as skilled engine fitter on H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

 

Following the completion of his initial training on 1 February 1920, Percy was employed as follows:

 

2 February 1920 to 1 August 1922:

Disabled soldier apprentice, fitter, Manager Engineering Department at 39s 6d per week (equivalent to £41.89 per week today).

 

2 August 1922 to 21 March 1941:

Engine fitter - Hired, temporary employment contract, renewable annually, Manager Engineering Department at 54s per week (equivalent to £77.54 per week today).

 

22 March 1941 to 29 August 1958:

Engine fitter - Established, permanent, pensionable employment contract, Manager Engineering Department at 152s 4d per week (equivalent to £116.54 per week today).

 

30 Aug 1958 to 10 December 1962:

Retired engine fitter – Hired, temporary employment contract, renewed annually, Manager Engineering Department at 240s 2d per week (equivalent to £154.43 per week today).

 

11 December 1962:

Last day of service before retiring on medical grounds.

 

This Employment Record covers the periods:

 

1920 to 1941 (when Percy was employed through an apprenticeship), 1941 to 1958 (when Percy was employed in a permanent pensionable position), 1958 to 1962 (when Percy was continuing his employment post retirement age until he retired on medical grounds).

 

Throughout his employment on the dockyard, Percy was consistently paid around twice the minimum wage, indicating that he was earning enough to support a comfortable lifestyle and a substantial pension upon his retirement.

 

Notably, Percy was continuously employed during The Great Depression (1929-1939) and World War II (1939-1945), so his family are unlikely to have suffered as badly as many others during this period.

 

It is quite remarkable that Percy disabled as he was, had such a successful career as an engine fitter on H.M. Dockyard stretching beyond normal retirement age.

 

From all that is known about Percy’s life, it is evident that this ‘bear’ of a man was bold and courageous and focussed on ensuring his family had the best of everything he could give them.

 

Note: If you'd like to know more than has been summarised on this website or have information that improves this history, we'd love to hear from you.