The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce - World War II

World War II

On the outbreak of war on 2 September 1939, her companies Commercial Air Hire Ltd and Air Dispatch Ltd moved with their fleets to Cardiff Municipal Airport, where, between September 1939 and April 1940, they operated under the control of National Air Communications. Subsequently, as part of the Civilian Repair Organisation, Air Dispatch rebuilt damaged RAF aircraft wings and whole aircraft at Cardiff, eventually employing about 700 people.

In 1945, the company attempted to return to commercial air services, but was thwarted by the dominance of the nationalised airlines: "So far only the more powerful of the independent operators have been approached, hoping that they will give away and so weaken our case," said the Hon. Mrs. Victor Bruce, of Air Dispatch. And somewhat dramatically she commented: "It is tantamount to going around with a cheque book and a hammer. I shall fight for our rights and independence to the end." Air Dispatch Ltd turned to repair and then manufacture of bus and trolley bodies, changing its name in 1947 to Air Dispatch (Coachbuilders) Ltd. In 1948, under the management of Mrs. Bruce's son Anthony, the company was renamed Bruce Coach Works Ltd., and continued until its closure in 1952. Mrs Bruce's fortunes subsequently increased further via property investments.