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Aviation History
1933
1933 - 0220.PDF
FLIGHT, JULY 27, 1933 Mr. A. J. Styran flying Sir Derwent Hall-Caine's " Leopard Moth " (" Gipsy Major ") in which he won the Heston-Cardiff race on Saturday, July 22. (FLIGHT Photo.) mixture of aircraft types, with many good hands (and feet) to steer them. As the competitors assembled at Heston so the day grew hotter and the vagaries of the wind in strength and direc tion increased. In fact, when the time came for the race to start, it became necessary to decide on a wind direc tion in order to maintain a constant position for the start ing line. An after-luncheon siesta on the part of the well- known Heston wind indicator played its part in this connection. The inspection of the competing aircraft passed without incident other than the necessity to inspect Mr. K. E. Lloyd's Parnall " Elf " in the repair shop. An under carriage fitting had come to grief during the previous even ing, and whilst mechanics worked hard to prepare for re placing the fittings, so new fittings were being rushed up by air from Yate. Until the very last moment it seemed hopeful that the " Elf " would be a starter, but in spite of every effort it could not quite make it, the starting time of the race being governed by the need for the finish at Cardiff to be at 3.30 p.m. in order to fit in with the remainder of the programme at that end. As it was, and in spite of the " ubiquitousness " of Miss " Susan " Slade in her efforts to drag some of the competitors from then- luncheons, the start was 5 min. late ; otherwise, all went according to plan. The handicapping by Capt. Dancy was as effective as last year, and a really thrilling finish was witnessed by the crowd, Sir Derwent Hall Caine's "' Leopard Moth," piloted by A. J. Styran, being first over the line, followed in quick succession by A. Henshaw on the Comper " Swift " with which he won the Siddeley Trophy in the King's Cup, and Norman Edgar in the " Puss Moth " entered by Mr. Richard Cadman, of the Cardiff Aeroplane Club. Mr. Percival, Lady Bailey and Mr. A. H. Cook were all within a few seconds of each other, providing excel lent testimony to the skill of the handicapper. Col. L. Strange, who was the first man away, told us that the handicapping was so good that he was not overtaken until after Newport, when he could see the finishing line, and then all the machines came past him in a bunch. THE ANNUAL LONDON (HESTON)—CARDIFF RACE Pilot Aircraft and Engine Starting Time Finishing Time Av. Speed L. Strange . P. Hough . Sir Derwent Hall-Caine A. Cook Norman Edgar A. Henshaw. Lady Bailey. A. Styran E. Percival . Clipper" (Pobjoy R) ' Moth" (Gipsy II) Moth " (Gipsy II) Swift " (Pobjoy R) Puss Moth" (Gipsy III) 1 Swift" (Pobjoy R) 1 Puss Moth " (Gipsy Major) ' Leopard Moth " (Gipsy Major) ' Gull " (Javelin IA) h. m. s* 14 22 44 14 25 50 14 25 50 14 34 44 14 36 40 14 37 08 14 38 55 14 41 36 14 47 59 h. m. s. 15 38 22 15 36 31 15 38 49 IS 37 44 15 35 33 15 34 53 15 36 19 15 34 14* 15 36 10 m.p.h. 95J 101| 98| 1141 122i 124| 125J 136| 149i ii B 7 Third Second 5 First •I (* Estimated Finishing Time—15h. 34m '44s.) Sir Derwent Hall Caine's " Leopard Moth " was quite a centre of attraction, after its success in the King's Cup, and this was the first occasion on which the new D.H. production has been seen in the West. Capt. Cyril Uwins, who has been a regular performer at Cardiff since the in ception of the Club, gave his usual polished exhibition on the Bristol " Bulldog." His climbing slow rolls are still a joy to watch. Strictly to schedule time, No. 501 (Bomber) Squadron from Filton, Westland " Wallaces " (" Pegasus "), flew over the aerodrome under the command of Sqd. Ldr. W. Elliott, and gave a perfect example of Royal Air Force training and discipline. At Bristol in June, even in a very high wind, the formation was beyond criticism, but on Saturday the squadron certainly excelled itself, calling for much enthusiastic comment. The crazy flying of Mr. H. B. Field in an Avro was of a very high order, and Capt. " Wingy " Wyndham and Mr. G. de Greeuw furnished some very spectacular parachute jumps. The delayed drop of the former was the first event of this nature seen in Wales, and tremendous excitement prevailed as the parachutist dropped for some 2,000 ft. before open ing, landing in the middle of one of the enclosures, with out, however, inflicting any damage. About 50 machines attended the meeting, and it was somewhat unfortunate that the date clashed with two other important events. The organisers, however, have every reason to be satisfied, as every item went off without a hitch, and to schedule time. Joyriding took place until a late hour, and the Lord Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman C. F. Sanders) and the Lady Mayoress (Miss M. Muriel Sanders) took flights. The Corporation was represented by Sir Illtyd Thomas (Chair man, Aerodrome Committee), the Town Clerk, Mr. D. Kenvyn Rees, Councillor George Williams, Councillor A. E. Shippobotham, Mr. William Forbes, whilst visitors included Mr. O. Temple Morris, M.P., and Mrs. Morris, Mr. Tom Griffiths, M.P., Dr. G. Arbour Stephens, Mr. Robert J. Webber, Managing Director of the Western Mail, and Mr. J. A. Sandbrook, Editor-in-Chief of the Western Mail. The Cardiff Club have reason to be especially grate ful to the Western Mail for the Flying Scholarship scheme recently inaugurated by that journal. On an occasion when team work alone is responsible for such success, it is difficult to single out individuals, but special mention must be made of the work of the Chairman, Capt. W. R. Bailey, and Secretary, Mr. Arthur Davies. Mr. Evan Roberts handled the publicity extremely well, and Mr. Norman Nash was responsible for control of the crowd and layout of the aerodrome arrangements. Councillor O. C. Purneil was his usual bright self on the announcing, assisted by Mr. C. H. Phillips. Cardiff hospitality is proverbial amongst the flying fraternity, and Saturday's event was exceptional, even for Cardiff, in this respect. Mr. Charles Keen and Mrs. Keen, together with Mr. Kenneth Davies and Mrs. Davies and Mrs. Bailey, entertained all the guests to dinner and dance at the Angel Hotel, the party after wards migrating to the latest Welsh inspiration, " The Blue Horizon "—a charming old mansion converted into i very entertaining country club—where dancing and bathing kept the entertainment going until an early hour. MAIDSTONE AIRPORT OPENED M AIDSTONE Airport and Aero Club were official" opened on Saturday, July 22, on the occasion of a Garden Party at the Airport. The open ing ceremony was performed by Sqd. Ldr. the Marquis of Douglas and Clydesdale, who arrived in his " Moth " (" Gipsy III "). He was welcomed by Sir Robert Gower, who reminded those present of the fine 758
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