Versatility
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Harold Osborn, until recently the NFC's financial wizard-in-chief and still advising his old colleagues part-time, has a store of memories that ought to be tapped more often.
He reminded me that when working for London Transport during the war he helped to manage a four-engined bomber assembly plant staffed by London Transport at their Chiswick Works. In common with other transport and coachbuilding operations LT made parts for Handley Page bombers and the RAF profited by an extra bomber a day, tested at Radlett and Aldenham aerodromes.
When the operation was wound up after the war Harold had to cope with many outstanding claims from suppliers and sub-contractors, but as a finance officer he was not authorised to sanction anything over E1,000. Arbounts over this sum had to be approved by LT's audit officer.
His problem was greatly eased when for a period he held both jobs, thus being able to write to himself congratulatory letters settling contentious issues!