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Aviation History
1921
1921 - 0453.PDF
JULY 7, 1921 much cheering, and the R.A.F. Band struck up the National Anthem. A few minutes later H.M. the King arrived, accom- panied by Queen Mary, and Group Capt. H.R.H. the Duke of York, the band again playing the National Anthem. They were received by Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Salmond, Air Commandant Pitcher, Group Capt. Longmore, Group Capt. Ludlow Hewitt, and Wing-Commander Joubert de la Ferte. The enclosures, now that our attention had been drawn to them, presented a remarkably gay aspect. The fair sex—with equally fair colourings of dress—was very much in evidence, and many notabilities occupied the private " boxes." Amongst those present in the latter were, we understand, the Dominion Premiers and Air Attaches from the Embassies, H.R.H. the Infanta Alfonso Orleans, Air-Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard, Maj.-Gen. Sir F. H. Sykes lead on the first crossing of the aerodrome, with Biggin Hillclose behind. On the next, Shotwick got in front of Halton, and on the third Kenley got in between. Kenley obtainedthe lead on the last lap, and maintained it to the finish, Shotwick coming in second and Halton third. Kenley'stime for the course was 8 min. 4 sees., and Kenley's A.M.'s were pleased. Then came a magnificent display of exhibition flyingon a blue B.A.T. by F/O. P. S. W."Bulman, M.C., A.F.C., who executed all the well-known " stunts," and othersbesides, in truly remarkable style. His vertical spins up- wards were extraordinary. No sooner was this display overthan five Snipes (piloted by S/Ldr. C. Draper, D.S.C., F/Lieut. T. E. N. Gerrard, D.S.C., F/Lieut. A. Coningham,D.S.O., M.C., D.F.C., F/O. R. C. B. Brading, D.F..C, and • 1, " Flight" Copyright A TRIO OF EVENTS AT THE PAGEANT : On left, duel between a Siddeley-Nighthawk and a Skldeley-Siskin •—the latter is seen at the top making a sharp turn after the latter. Below is " R.33 " hovering in the haze. Top right, Event 2, two Snipes attacking a Bristol Fighter, which was eventually " brought down in flames." The Snipe on the right is on its back, and the Bristol, in the centre, is diving out of the danger zone of the second Snipe. Bottom right, Event 5, formation flying by Snipes. The first two machines (at top) have executed a half- loop and are continuing their flight upside down—the other three are about to follow suit. and Lady Sykes, Lord Vernon, Lady Leighton, Air-Commodore Brooke-Popham, Lord Hugh Cecil, Lord Northcliffe, Lord Rothermere, Maj.-Gen. Seeley, Maj.-Gen. Sir Sefton Branker, Rear-Admiral Sueter, Rear-Admiral Lambert, etc. In the meanwhile the Avro race was in progress, and never before has it been our good fortune to witness such a fine and exciting race. Fourteen Avros took part, each repre- senting 14 air stations. They all started off together, only one being a few seconds late in getting away, and made a most impressive sight as they rose like a flock of startled crows. The course flown was the same as that of the previous race, and they were in full view at each of the turning points, the rounding of which was done in fine style. Each time they passed over the aerodrome great excitement prevailed in placing the different stations, which were distinguished by coloured streamers on the rudders. Halton obtained the F/O. W. E. G. Mann, D.F.C., all of the Central Flying School) took off in V-formation and gave us 15 minutes of some really pretty figure flying. On one occasion they flew along in single file, and as they passed the Royal Box, por- poised gracefully, then turning back, still in single file, the leader suddenly looped on his back, and continued thus for some considerable distance. One after the other the rest followed suit, and we had the remarkable sight of a line of five machines flying upside down ! At the end of their display they once again got into V-formation and thus landed. After this came another aerial combat, this time between F/Lieut. W. H. Longton, D.F.C., A.F.C., on a Siddeley-Night- hawk, and F/Lieut. A. Coningham, D.S.O., M.C., D.F.C., on a Siddeley-Siskin, and a splendid aerial duel it was—several times it looked as if one was going to ram the other. They 453
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