Tizard, Henry Thomas (1885–1959)

English chemist and scientific administrator. As a leading aeronautical scientist, he made important contributions to British defence technology, especially before and during World War II. Most notably, a committee chaired by him approved the development of radar as a means of air defence (see Robert Watson-Watt). This crucial decision ultimately ensured an Allied victory in the war.

Tizard was educated at Westminster School and at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he took a degree in chemistry. During World War I, he developed new aircraft and bomb sights. His appointments included those of rector of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, 1929–42, chairman of the Aeronautical Research Committee, 1933–43, and chief scientific adviser to the Ministry of Aircraft production, 1939–45. He was knighted in 1937.