I had the pleasure of restoring a book of old photos featuring Lang Propeller Ltd factory workers who produced WWI propellers. Interestingly, the factory operated in the town where I was born. An employee took 57 images and compiled them into an album. These rare photos offer a unique glimpse into factory life, preserving a historic moment never seen before.
The History of Lang Propeller Ltd
In 1918, as World War I neared its climax, the Lang Propeller Company led Britain’s aviation efforts. Founded in 1913 at Riverside Works in Weybridge, Surrey, the company quickly outgrew its original location. To meet rising demand, Lang moved to a larger facility at Hamm Moor Lane in Addlestone, near Chertsey. It also secured additional space at the Chertsey Drill Hall to expand production.
Lang’s growth was staggering. In 1914, it produced 250 propellers. By 1918, that number soared to 15,000—a nearly 5,900% increase. That same year, about 80% of British military aircraft relied on Lang propellers. These powered planes from Sopwith, Martinsyde, Armstrong Whitworth, De Havilland, and the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough. Lang also licensed its designs to other manufacturers, earning royalties from their production. Between June and October 1918, 6,246 Lang-designed propellers were fitted to aircraft—3,229 made in-house and 3,017 by partner firms. The company also supplied propellers for 100 seaplanes, while other manufacturers produced 583 more.
As the war drew to a close, Lang Propeller Ltd leadership planned for the future. On June 11, 1918, S. May, the company’s secretary and general manager, proposed shifting to cabinet-making. He wrote to the Ministry of Munitions, suggesting this transition to preserve jobs after the war. However, wartime demands delayed approval. By 1922, Lang ceased operations. The Airscrew Company took over its facilities and continued propeller production into the next global conflict.