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An in-person only event. No need to sign up, just come along – all are welcome.

Werner (Vernon) David (1920-2010) arrived in the UK as a Jewish child refugee from Germany in 1933. From 1938 to 1941 he read Chemistry at Manchester University although his studies were interrupted by internment. On graduating he was assigned to work for Shell and was involved in a project for the Ministry of Fuel and Power to identify a dewatering fluid which could protect the metals and electrics of military vehicles from the corrosive effect of sea-water. After 256 trials, a fluid was invented which played a significant role in the invasion of Europe in June 1944. It was later marketed by Shell as Ensis 256.

The fluid was a unique combination of mineral oils and readily available natural products capable of not only protecting against metal corrosion, but also penetrating the salt water which covered vehicle parts after amphibious landings.

Werner David’s application for naturalisation in 1946 was enhanced by Shell’s ability to cite this research in their support for him.

About the Speakers

Dr Rob David is an independent researcher who, prior to retirement, lectured in History and Education at colleges in Ambleside and Lancaster, and was a Visiting Research Fellow in the History Department at Lancaster University. In the past few years, inspired by his own family’s history, he has been researching the history of refugee communities in Cumbria. His most recent books are A County of Refuge: Refugees in Cumbria 1933-1941 (Kendal, 2020) and ‘Happy and Safe’: The Basque Child Refugees in Cumberland and Westmorland 1937-1939 (Carlisle, 2023). He was President of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society from 2017-2020.

Stephen Richardson is a science researcher and lecturer at Kendal College. He graduated from Pembroke College, Oxford, in 1988 with a degree in Chemistry and the History and Philosophy of Science. From 1988 to 2006, he held research and consultancy roles at Warren Spring Laboratory and AEA Technology, specialising in volatile organic compounds and industrial waste management. Stephen completed a PGCE and an MA in Education at the University of Cumbria and is now a Director of DTM Research Ltd.