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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 0830.PDF
JULY 29, 1920 OOOOOOO Two of the Sop- with Snipes com- pleting the first lap in the Aerial Derby. No. 6 leading No. 5— emphasising the absolute regu- larjty of these fast flyers "Flight" Copyright OOOOOOO o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o The " gate " at Hendon, though not so large as that on the occasion of the R.A.F. Aerial Pageant, was very good, and as usual the " free enclosures " all along the route were well patronised. Many notabilities were at the aerodrome, and representatives from many foreign countries—including a detachment of Boy Scouts from Denmark—were amongst the most interested spectators. " Bookies " were also very much in evidence, and it is to be regretted that some of these had sudden urgent engagements elsewhere which " necessitated" their departure before the finish of the race. They left their cards—but not their addresses ; but fortunately, thanks to the promptitude of the Royal Aero Club, we understand that their photographs have been for- warded to the proper quarters, and " developments " may follow. Although weather conditions were unpromising early in the day, they were not too bad by the time the race started, and improved considerably-~towards evening. The wind, low down, was inclined to be somewhat squally and change- able, and troubled the competitors just a little now and again. At 2.15 p.m. sharp, Bert Hinkler, on his London-Turin Avro Baby (35-h.p. Green), got smartly away on the fall of Mr. George Reynold's flag. As he passed over the sheds he got one or two very nasty bumps and bobbed about somewhat alarmingly. Seven minutes later Capt. H. A. Hamersley departed on a similar, but newer, machine, the improved performance of which was at once apparent as she started off on her journey. The next on the list was Leth Jensen—the only foreign entrant—on the Spad S.29, but unfortunately this was a non-starter. There was, therefore, a somewhat long interval before the next machine got away an hour later (5.15—3.30 p.m.). This interval, however, was filled by a parachute (" Guardian Angel") descent by W. Newall from an Avro, piloted, we believe, by an old friend, Maj. R. H. Carr. This third starter was the " Airco " 14A (450-h.p. Napier "Lion"), piloted by F. S. Cotton, who carried Mr. Harwood as passenger—the only one in the race. The D.H. took off in magnificent style, climbing rapidly for some time. About 15 minutes later the three Sopwith " Snipes," piloted by Capt. W. L. Jordan, and Flight-I.ieuts. W. H. Longton and S. F. Fall respectively started off in a bunch. This was quite an imposing getaway, Jordan, being on the " inside," gaining slightly by banking sharply to the left and straightaway heading' for Brooklands, and No. 7, Fall, following him with a wider sweep. No. 6, Longton, lost a few seconds in getting away. Eight and a half minutes later Capt. Westgarth-Heslam on the Avro "Schneider" (230-h.p. Siddeley "Puma") hustled away with a good turn of speed that looked like business. In the meanwhile someone put up some " slow flying " and stunting on a " pre-War" type Bristol Scout, and sundry Avros, presumably taking up passengers, ambled about. At about 4.38 p.m. Hamersley completed his first circuit, and after making a circuit of the aerodrome, according to rules, started on his second round. Hinkler came in about half a minute later, and got away on the second circuit The three Sopwith "Snipes " start for their turn in the Aerial Derby i?t ?-^.;~- 832 •-.-;•- "Flight" Copyright.
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