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Aviation History
1915
1915 - 0763.PDF
OCTOBER 8, 1915. five-seater, for all the world like an elephant in a bird's cage. I am tempted to wonder how much longer is the life of this monster 'bus. It seems too heavy for the air, and too light to stay on the ground. The sight of it always engenders the thought of the hippopotamus, who, as Charles Kingsley explained in his delightful book "The Water Babies," cannot live on the land, and dies in the water. I was pleased to see the Mann biplane emerge from its house once more after several weeks of enforced idleness owing to lack of a pilot. So many of our brave lads are away piling up great deeds to the honour of the flying services, and so many others are doing equally important work at the various schools, that pilots for private enterprise work are hard to find. In A. E. Barrs, Messrs. Mann and Grimmer have secured a pilot who, it strikes me, will justify their expectations by bringing out every good point in their machine. Starting with a full load of fuel on board, and a ® ® f/PcBf) passenger in the forward seat, he set out to take the 'bus " upstairs" for a lengthy period to try her climbing powers. Unfortunately at 5,000 ft. he found it impossible to extend the climb owing to a thick fog, which entirely blotted out the ground, so contented himself with flying around at that altitude for 40 mins., during which time he found the machine handle splendidly. Descending in a fine spiral, he landed as smoothly as any one could wish. Once more school work brought the day's flying to a close, and by this time I felt such an official observer, clothed, as Shakespeare puts it " in a little brief authority," that I " swelled wisibly " like they say City Aldermen do, and if my friend and colleague stays away too long 1 already begin to think he may find his occupation gone. Going to Hendon is one thing, however, and returning through darkened London is another. Howbeit, I landed safely home, after adventures of sorts, with my precious notes in my pocket. May my satisfaction thereat be reflected in those who peruse this infliction. ® ® NEW AIRCRAFT FACTORY AT NORWICH. THE trams at Norwich had a busy time of it on Saturday last, at least those which ran from Thorpe Station up to the vicinity of the local aerodrome. People were hanging on to any little projection that seemed to offer the slightest foothold, much in the manner of the morning rush in any good-sized American town. The conductors must have been in training for days previously under the expert supervision of a professional contor tionist in order to have acquired that nimbleness which enabled them to collect the greater part of the "freight age " to which they were entitled. The reason for this unwonted pilgrimage towards the aerodrome was that the first machine built at the works of Messrs. Boulton and Paul, Ltd., the well-known boatbuilders of Norwich, who have recently added an aeronautical department to their already very extensive works, was finished and ready for delivery. It was hoped, one read on the invitation card, that a trial flight would be possible. However, true to the best traditions of the British aeroplane industry, the machine was not quite ready, and it is to be feared that the large number of B. and P. employees present were somewhat disappointed. ® ® More Rewards for R.F.C. Officers. IT was announced in the London Gazette of Satur day that the King has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned officers, in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the field :— Temporary Second Lieutenant HORACE SCOTT SHIELD, Royal Flying Corps. For conspicuous gallantry and skill when on patrol duty with Corporal T. Bennett on September 13th, 1915. When over Bois De Biez, at about 10,000 feet, he sighted a German Albatros, and at once dived and attacked it at about 7,000 feet, being subject at the time to heavy anti-aircraft gun fire. The German Albatros used a machine gun very conveniently mounted, but Corporal Bennett handled his gun with such skill that he disabled the German machine, which side-slipped and then nose-dived to the ground in our lines. Second Lieutenant Shield has been exceptionally keen in pursuing German machines whenever seen, and on this occasion he manoeuvred his own machine with admir able judgment and courage. Second Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) ARTHUR ASHFORD BENJAMIN THOMSON, the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, attached Royal Flying Corps. For conspicuous gallantry and determination on August 29th, 1915, near Neuve Chapelle. When ranging a heavy gun on the Under the guidance of Mr. Doe, chief draughtsman, and Mr. Archer a few privileged visitors were permitted to inspect the new machine—an F.E. 2b—in its shed, where all were busy rigging up the controls and finishing off generally. An F.E. 2b is not a machine one would start on for choice when first entering the field of aero plane construction, and it is therefore all the more credit to Messrs. Boulton and Paul that they have, so far as workmanship is concerned, acquitted themselves excel lently of a difficult task ; with the designing they had, of course, nothing to do. We have pointed out repeatedly that the time is not propitious for detailed descriptions of anything connected with aviation, and in this respect the new Boulton and Paul works are no exception. Failing to be able to back up our statement with figures, facts and photos., we must ask our readers to take our word for it that the aeronautical department of the firm is thoroughly well organised in every respect, and one may with confidence express the opinion that before long the output will be on a scale commensurate with the high standing of this old-established firm. ® ® German trenches he stayed up over two hours in heavy rain, with clouds at about 500 feet. At one time he found himself in a cloud on the far side of the German trenches, but afier coming back under heavy fire he continued to observe with the greatest bravery and skill, only returning when too dark for more work. Mis gallant conduct resulted in ten direct hits on the enemy's parapet. Sir John French's Thanks. IT is officially notified that the following order of the day was issued by Field-Marshal Sir John French, under date October 4th :— " The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief desires to express to Brigadier-General H. M. Trenchard, C.B., D.S.O., A.D.C., and to all ranks of the Royal Flying Corps, his appreciation of the valuable work they have performed during the battle which com menced on September 25th. He recognises the extremely adverse weather conditions, which entailed flying under heavy fire at very low altitudes. " He desires especially to thank pilots and observers for their plucky work in co-operation with the artillery, in photography, and the bomb attacks on the enemy's railways, which were of great value in interrupting his communications. " Throughout these operations the Royal Flying Corps have gallantly maintained the splendid record they have achieved since the commencement of the campaign." 763
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