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Aviation History
1909
1909 - 0516.PDF
AUGUST 28, 1909. RHEIMS AVIATION MEETING. WHAT THE APPROACH WAS LIKE TO AND FROM THE GRAND STAND AT THE:RHEIMSAVIATION MEETING.—Owing to the heavy rains the mud was ankle deep in many places, and some uniqtae and awkward scenes, under the circumstances, especially amongst the ladies, were witnessed. The Opening Day. ANYTHING more unpropitious than the weather con- ditions under which the Rheims aviation meeting opened it would be difficult to imagine. During the previous night and early morning rain had been falling heavily, and on turning out of doors it was found that on the flag- staffs in the Place Royale and elsewhere black flags were dis- played, intimating that flying was impossible. Enthusiasm was not so easily quenched. Many, heeding neither the weather nor the black flag, wended their way to the plains at Betheney. Matters looked less promising there. Mud was hardly the word to apply to the sticky, chalky substance which had formed itself into a veritable quagmire, ankle-deep in places, on the special " road" which had been made leading to the grand stand. At times some quaint scenes were witnessed in the effort to- annex as little as possible of the Betheney soil. Some- relief was later afforded by the laying down of planks over the more frequented points used by the public, so that it became possible to reach the enclosure without getting one's clothes absolutely ruined. Several of the motor cars, however, fared pretty badly, getting, stuck in the soft mud, and having to be dragged out by horses. As things ultimately turned out, the crowds were rewarded for their optimism, for all in good time the weather cleared, and the programme as officially laid down was proceeded with, in spite of strong winds and heavy showers. The first event was the French Eliminating Trials for the Gordon-Bennett Race. For this there were twenty/ Taking shelter under M. Lefebvre's Wright (No. 25) during a rainstorm a 518 the Rheims Aviation Meeting.!
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