The Eighth British Commonwealth and Empire Lecture was given by Mr. R. E. Hardingham, O.B.E., F.R.Ae.S., M.S.L.A.E., before the Royal Aeronautical Society on 2nd October 1952 at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Storeys Gate, S.W.I. The audience included a number of distinguished guests, among them visitors from overseas and representatives of the Divisions of the Society.

Mr. G. H. Dowty, F.R.Ae.S., President of the Society, at whose suggestion the British Commonwealth and Empire Lectures were started in 1945, presided over the meeting. After welcoming the guests Mr. Dowty introduced Mr. Hardingham, outlining his career briefly. Mr. Hardingham was one of the original apprentices at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and in 1921 joined the de Havilland Aircraft Co. Ltd. Later he served for three years with the Air Ministry during which period he was associated with the Aeronautical Inspection Directorate and the Directorate of Technical Development. He joined the Air Registration Board on its formation in 1937, becoming Principal Surveyor in 1945. In 1947 he was appointed Secretary and Chief Executive and that same year became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Mr. Hardingham has represented the United Kingdom at a number of International Conferences.