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Aviation History
1916
1916 - 0460.PDF
(fjjchf JONE II 1916. not do were matters for investigation. In plain words, the aeroplane, to them, is just a vehicle, and they are men taught to drive it. It is quite understandable. I myself have walked miles in the early days, simply to see a machine leave the ground in a short hop. Now flying is become such a commonplace affair that even children Jiving near an aerodrome don't take the trouble to look up when a machine passes overhead. I will not say the younger pilots do not take things seriously enough, that is not really the case, but I do think they are apt to look upon flying in the light manner I have suggested, which is quite a natural thing under the circumstances of their training, and the time at which they entered the art. Anyway, I make bold to say that in my opinion, and it is ONLY my opinion, side-slip ought to be one of the most rare things to happen, instead of, as at present, one ® ® of the most frequent. I am convinced in my own mind that side slipping CAN be avoided, and that it happens in ninety-nine cases out of the hundred through faulty handling by the pilot. There are hundreds of men in aviation who are in a position to know more of this matter than I am, and I am quite ready to listen to their opinions, and get them publication of their communications in our correspon- ence columns. It is mainly with the idea of obtaining the opinions of advanced pilots that I have entered into the matter here. In most things, as also in flying, we have an idea that because WE know all about it, everybody else does the same, which is not always the case, and a few words from an experienced man may be the means of saving many valuable lives. So now, come along, and let us thrash the matter out. ® ® FLYING AT HENDON. FINE weather enabled a good afternoon's work to be got through last Saturday. As usua', passenger flying was the order of the day, and ladies were much in evidence. Most of the passengers were taken up on the new 80 h.p. (Gnome) G.-W. three-seater biplane by Claude Graharae-White, II. C. Biard, B. F. Hale, M. OsipenUo, and C. Pashley. Osipenko and J. S. B. Winter also put up some good stunt flying on the 60 h.p. G -W. school 'buses. H. Sykes, until recently instructor at the L. and P, School, made several fine flights, with and without passengers, on a Martinsyde two-seater tractor biplane, which he has just overhauled and put into flying trim. It has been fitted with an 80 h.p. Anzani, and, so engined, pots up a most creditable performance in spite of the fact that it was originally designed for a 100 h.p. Gnome. There is, however, still plenty of power, and the maximum speed is well in the neighbourhood of 70 m.p.h., whilst the landing speed is comfort ably low. Sykes first had this machine out some three Sundays ® ® AWARDS WON IN the London Gazette of the 30th ult. it was announced that His Majesty 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 :— Captain J. B. T. LEIGHTON, S. Gds. (attached No. 14 Squadron, R.F.C.). He took photographs at a height of 200 ft. while his observer engaged the enemy with rifle fire. On other occasions he has done fine and gallant work. Temporary Lieutenant F. BELLAMY, General List (attached No. 17 Squadron, R.F.C.). When unable to reconnoitre owing to clouds, he descended to 200 ft. under heavy fire. Though his instruments were broken and his petrol tank pierced, he eventually returned safely. On another occasion, when forced to descend, he repaired his engine under sniping fire, carried out his bombing, and again returned safely. Temporary Lieutenant J. G. HOWELL, R.F.A. (attached No. 16 Squadron, 2nd Wing, R.F.C.). When the pilot of his machine was killed he climbed into the pilot's seat, and, standing in front of him, managed to land the machine within our lines. Lieutenant F. F. MINCHIN, Princess Patricia's Canadian L.I. (attached R.F.C.). For conspicuous gallantry and skill on many occasions, notably when leading a successful bomb and machine gun raid on a force of the enemy which he had located overnighr. Next day he took part in two other raids. During these operations he flew for thirteen hours over enemy country. Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) A. A. B. THOMSON, R. War. Regt. and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and good work during Zeppelin raids. Second Lieutenant S. E. COWAN, R.F.C. (Special Reserve). He dived on to an enemy machine in the enemy's lines and drove it to the ground, where it was smashed, and then circled ago, when there was a wind of about 35 m.p.h. blowing. It must be admitted that he caused no little alarm to those on the ground at the time, especially when he unexpectedly banked the machine; but, as his landing shortly after showed, he had the 'bus well in hand, so that there was really no need to worry. He told me on Saturday that he is now getting to know his new mount thoroughly, and hopes, therefore, to put in some good work on it. Other machines up during the afternoon were several Curtiss tractors, Maurice Farmans, a de Havilland Scout, and a B.E. 2c, while a Sopwith Bullet and the Handley-Page "Baby" battleplane paid a visit to the aerodrome. Lieutenant " Lizzie " Graham also paid us a visit, looking very fit in spite of the nasty strafing he received recently. On Sunday it was a trifle windy, but a fair amount of flying was put up, and many passengers taken for joy rides on the G.-W. 'buses by the G.-W. pilots. ® BY ® THE R.F.C. round and fired at the pilot and observer as they ran for shelter. Although forced to land through his engine stopping he contrived to restart it, and got back under heavy fire. Second Lieutenant F. D. STUART-GRAY Lord DOUNE, Scottish Horse (T.F.) and R.F.C. Temporary Second Lieutenant R. V. WALKER, 6th Bn. Conn. Rang, and R.F.C. When on patrol duty with Second Lieutenant/Walker he sighted a Fokker machine 1,000 ft. below them. Second Lieutenant Lord Doune at once dived, and, when within 60 yards, Second Lieutenant Walker opened fire. Lord Doune then headed straight for the Fokker, which had to rise steeply to avoid a collision. Second Lieutenants Walker and Lord Doune then both opened fire and shot away one wing of the Fokker, which fell behind our lines. Second Lieutenant V. A. STOOKES, and Dns. (Special Reserve), attached No. 14 Squadron, R.F.C. He engaged the enemy with rifle fire and shot two while his pilot was photographing at 200 feet altitude. On other occasions he has djne fine work. Second Lieutenant D. M. TIDMARSH, 4th Bn. R.I.R. (Special Reserve), and R.F.C. For conspicuous gallantry and skill when attacking hostile aircraft on several occasions, notably on one occasion when he dived at an enemy machine and drove it down wrecked to the ground. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of tbe Distinguished Conduct Medal on the undermen tioned for devotion to duty in the field :— 211 Flight Sergeant (Acting S./M.) C. A. C. FIDLER, " X " Aircraft Park, R.F.C. 212 Flight Sergeant (Acting S./.Vf.) R. J. SLADDEN, No. 17 Squadron, R.F.C. 22 Flight Sergeant (Acting S./M.) W. G. STAFFORD. No. 14 Squadron, R.F.C. For consistent good work in connection with the care and repair of aeroplanes. 460
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