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Aviation History
1919
1919 - 0314.PDF
IGHT MARCH 6, 1919 mummMB A HAPPY idea to have a Handley-Page passenger carrying 'bus—or anyway that part of it that matters to the passengers, viz., the cabin -And fuselage-—on view at Selfridge's in Oxford Street. Close inspection of this machine will do more with the individual public to create a popular atmosphere than miles of ordinary newspaper lineage. But why, oh why, have a bevy of beauties all got up in leather rig-outs, ear- flaps and all, seated on show in the luxurious arm chairs in the enclosed cabin ? Surely it is not suggested that having to array oneself in that sort of garb for every trip will help the movement. The manequins, upon the occasion of the inaugural opening, looked anything but well placed under the circumstances, although for use at the pilot's side or for any semi-exposed position most of the " costumes " were well designed and looked quite fascinating—on the particular wearers. We hardly think though, under the present very ingenious provision for comfortable travel through the air, it need be rubbed in that nothing short of being thus encased in leather armour rig-out will suffice. GENEROUS terms for aerial insurance are now under serious consideration at Lloyd's and already a good deal of practical headway has been made. It is not possible, however, as some seem to think, to quote a fiat rate for anything aerial at present. The whole business is a complicated actuarial problem and only by stating each individual proposal is it possible to give even an approximate percentage premium. Many of the figures so freely published are purely fantastic. This, no doubt, will in time straighten itself out, but in the meantime it would be well for all those concerned, either as owners, constructors, passengers or pilots to cover themselves against all risks—not forgetting goods and chattels when transit is via the air. Any assistance we can give to pro spective insurers is at their disposal, and we shall be pleased to put enquirers into the right channel to arrive at results. THE Air Ministry is moving to Kingsway from the Hotel Cecil and Covent Garden Hotel. QUAINT sort of business keeping cats for raising alarms at the approach of enemy aircraft. Wonder whether the methods of giving warning by these expert detectors is upon the lines of a feline seance with which we were regaled the other night through, in an otherwise quite respectable suburb. ' If so, it should be made legal to do in any dealer or trainer who encourages such music, even for the alleged advantage of being able to detect the approach of enemy aircraft—at least until the next war comes along. By that time, if aircraft goes on developing at the rate it promises at present, most of us will be living underground and our detector-cat will be chained up at the front-outlet, with " Vocalian " adjustable baffles down our cave dwelling throttle. MANY have l*;en the tales told of succouring isolated outposts and people by means of aeroplanes during the War. A striking instance is now given in detail by the French Government in a special report dealing with the feeding of the civilian refugees at Le Cateau by the Royal Air Force authorities, the first official recognition of this remarkable feat. It appears that during the final phast of the Allied offensive the Germans had retired to the eastern side of Le Cateau, while British troops were aligned on the other side. The civilians had not been evacuated, and when they attempted to escape the Germans turned their machine- guns on them. The plight of these poor, people was pitiful for, in addition to being exposed to fire, they had no food whatever. This was known to both the Germans and our selves. The Germans, of course, would not help them, and it appeared as if we could not. Once again, however, the R.A.F. came to the rescue. No. 35 squadron was working on that sector, with Armstrong Whitworth machines. A supply of food was collected and dumped at this aerodrome, and the machines began to transfer it to Le Cateau—flying over low, in spite of furioas fire from the Huns, and dropping it in streets until the town was sufficiently provisioned for the time being. It was typical alSr " **2r -nfr A SKY FULL OF AEROPLANES—VOICE CONTROL FORMATION.—On November 27, 1918, 202"aeroplane* from Rockwell, Ream and East Fields flew over San Diego in eight formations, led and directed by V.C. receiving and transmitting ships. (From the official publication of the United States Air Service Clubs Association.; 3H
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