Nuffield Kidnapping Sensation

Northern Advocate, 14 June 1938, Page 5

Nuffield Kidnapping Sensation

(Received 8-30 a.m.) LONDON, June 13. The hearing of the charge against John Bruce Thornton, of inciting Arthur Geoffrey Ramsden to conspire with him in kidnapping Viscount Nuffield was resumed in the Oxford Police Court today. Lord Nuffield was not present. Ramsden continuing his evidence, said Thornton instructed him on May 23, to telephone Lord Nuffield’s secretary using a slight American accent, and arrange to interview Lord Nuffield at 6 p.m. on May 24. Peroxide and Ink Eraser. Later, while Thornton was applying peroxide to his hair, Ramsden typed a leJter which Thornton drafted with the intention of using it for introduction. if necessary. Ramsden explained that Thornton, using a small brown bottle and a glass stick, erased the details from his mcf.ov car license, after which witness wrote in the new numbers. Thornton, gave him a telegraph form, on which he instructed witness to write a telegram to Lord Nuffield's secretary announcing: “Called away. Cancel all appointments.” This would be sent after the kidnapping.

Ramsden continued that he and Thornton motored to Oxford on the morning of May 24, and, on arrival, they separated to avoid arousing suspicion. Ramsden then disguised himself, Thornton supplying the materials for darkening his face, blackening his moustache and eyebrows and whitening his hair. Informed the Police. Wearing a chauffeur’s cap, witness afterwards drove to the police station, where 'the police assisted him to put false number plates on the car. Ramsden continued that he had arranged to meet Thornton at 5.30 p.m. and drive to Cowley, where Thornton, in disguise, would represent himself as R. C. Wilson, and bring away Lord Nuffield, peacably if possible, otherwise at the pistol point.

When witness met Thornton he seemed very upset. He was not disguised and said a candle had fallen over and burned his wig. Thornton said the scheme must be postponed, and asked witness to drive away as quickly as possible, and change the number plates. Ramsden suggested it would be necessary to telephone if he wanted another appointment with Lord Nuffield. Thornton agreed, and told him to say the car had broken down. Ramsden then telephoned the police Bag Over Head. He agreed thdt Thornton had previously instructed him to remove the mirror from the motor car to prevent Lord Nuffield from recognising him again. Also, when witness visited Lord Nuffield upon the yacht Pierette on the way to France, he was to wear a bag over his head. Ramsden Under Examination. Mr. A. J. Flints, opening his crossexamination: Were you carrying on an honest and reputable business from 1927 to 1930 ? Ramsden; Yes. Witness added that he had done nothing to lead Thornton to believe he would join in such a desperate venture. He had not communicated with Thornton between 1930 and 1938 until he saw an advertisement.

Ramsden agreed that he was going to act as chauffeur to Thornton, who had just arrived from Australia, in a trip around England, if Thornton bought a better car. He added tha't he was “completely flabbergasted” when Thornton suggested the kidnapping. Thornton, on April 12, had first used the name of Kelly when referring to Lord Nuffield, which he continued to do, reproving witness when he spoke of Lord Nuffield. Ramsden added that he tried to dissuade Thornton from the kinapping, which he regarded as fantastic. Witness denied that he had ever called himself Ralph Bruce Thornton, represented himself as an ex-member of the Royal Air Force, or as a member of a Civil Flying Company.

He added that Lord Nuffield and Captain C. K. Arbuthnot, Chief Constable of Oxfordshire, had worked out the scheme to capture Thornton. Lord Nuffield, saying he was a busy man, intimated that he wanted it done on either May 23 or 24. Continuing his evidence after the adjournment, Major Ramsden, referring to Thornton’s postponement of the kidnapping attempt, said he apparently lost nerve. Witness denied driving Thornton to make the attempt. “Part of Cinema Stuff.” Charles Richard Fox, Chief Constable at Oxford, .giving evidence, said he questioned Thornton, who denied that he was ever previously near the Morris works. He also denied planning the kidnapping to extort money from Lord Nuffield.

Referring to a document of instructions Ramsden alleged was drawn up for use, when he interviewed Lord Nuffield, Thornton said it was “part of cinema stuff I have been writing.” Chief-Constable Fox added that during the questioning Lord Nuffield walked in and said to Thornton; “I’m the man you have come to collect.” Thornton said a chain he bought was for Ramsden’s dog. When charged with possession of firearms, with intent to endanger life, Thornton said there was no intent to endanger life. “The things (revolvers) were not loaded.” “Only a Joke.” Mr Flints submitted that there was no case for a jury. He said Thornton was boastful, especially when in his cuffs. His suggestion for the kidnapping was only a joke, and Ramsden afterwards was trying to get evidence to secure notoriety, and possibly a reward from Lord Nuffield. Thornton was committed for trial. Bail was allowed.