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What did someone working as an ^Aero automatic hand^ do?

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Oldnproud Tue 02-Sept-25 11:45:19

Hi

Although this relates to family history, I have put it on the Chat forum rather than Genealogy, as I imagine someone with no interest in genealogy is just as likely be able to help.

That term is recorded as someone's profession in 1939. He lived in Shardlow, Derbyshire, at the time.
I don't suppose any of you have any idea what that might be?

The word hand probably just means he was unskilled, a lackey, and aero must relate to aeroplanes (and several other people on the same page of the census worked in the aero industry in various capacities, such as engine fitters), but I still can't imagine what that particular job might have entailed.

And a word of warning- if you try Googling it, as I did, don't add the word job - I hadn't stopped to consider what would sort of results would come up when that was used right after the word hand. 😳 😂

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Devorgilla Tue 02-Sept-25 12:08:07

I googled Aero automatic hand wartime occupation and got some info on it. It's to do with aircraft. Quite lengthy but easy to find if you use my wording.

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PaynesGrey Tue 02-Sept-25 12:51:15

If you search The 1939 Register for Shardlow on keywords aero automatic you get all sorts of job descriptions in the local aeroplane industry which include the word automatic e.g:

Draughtsman Automatic Aero Engine Dealer

Automatic Tool Setter Aero

Engineer Automatic Machine Setter (Aero Engine)

Waffler (Automatic Fettler) Aero Parts

Automatic Lathe Hand Turner (Steel) Aero Works

Automatic Turner Rolls Royce Aero Works

I think it’s being used as a term for anything that is done by machine as opposed to purely by hand.

Dictionary definitions of automatic include:

Of a machine, appliance, etc.: that does not require an operator; that works by itself under fixed conditions, with little or no direct human control. Hence of a process: based on or utilizing such devices. (Now the usual sense.)

There is no division of labour which has benefited more by the introduction of automatic machinery than that of the drilling and boring of metal - J. Yeats, Technical History of Commerce

I think your man was a general factory hand.

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Oldnproud Tue 02-Sept-25 13:27:19

Thank you Devorgilla and PaynesGrey.
For some reason, I just couldn't get my head around it, but your input has helped.

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