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Aviation History
1952
1952 - 1942.PDF
58 FLIGHT The victor: Gregoryjdives over the line to win the 1952 King's Cup Race, which was held at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Airport. NATIONAL RACES in the NORTH Cyril Gregory (Taylorcraft) Wins the King's Cup : Private Owners Successful Illustrated by "Flight" photographs T WO days of first-class racing and air displays rewarded the many visitors who flew to Newcastle—some through storms and very rough conditions—to see the contests for the Grosvenor Challenge Cup, Norton Griffiths and Kemsley Challenge Trophies last Friday July iith, and the King's Cup on the Saturday. Strong, cold winds no doubt reduced the public attendance, but some 40,000 visited Woolsington airfield for the two days of the National meeting. The same winds and an occasional heavy rain storm gave most of the competitors an unusually rough ride. Private owners met with considerable success and their cash prizes and Ragosine bonuses went far, we hope, towards covering expenses. The meeting was sponsored by the Kemsley Flying Trust, and Viscount Kemsley—who flew up with Sir Miles Thomas in a B.O.A.C. Dove—was among those present. The organization was in the hands of the Royal Aero Club, Newcastle Aero Club, and local authorities. The Friday Races Frankly, the atmosphere was rather depressing during the hour or two before the three National races (which also formed elimin ating contests for the King's Cup) began on Friday evening. Heavy storms were to be seen around the area, the wind was strong and cold and only an occasional spell of sunshine brightened the proceedings. Several of the hardened air-race-goers com plained that they could not feel any of the usual race atmosphere and suspense. Fortunately, however, visibility was good, and the weather prospects satisfactory, if lively for the competitors. A few pilots were still having a look at the 32.8-mile course, which was easy to follow and well liked by those competing. A Canberra came over to have a look at Woolsington and the preparations B^M'i 1' T^iBM * -m Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein presents the King's Cup to C. Gregory ofSleaford, who flew a Cirrus-powered Taylorcraft Plus D. going on there, and Prince Cantacuzene drew all eyes in his direc tion for a few minutes while he methodically practised parts of his remarkable repertoire. And so race time drew near and the public started to arrive. No one appeared to be directing the ticket holders into the care fully fenced enclosures, so Col. Preston in person endeavoured to sort out some of the holders of the various coloured badges; but soon it became apparent that commonsense was more useful than coloured badges, and people were invited to go where they chose in the main enclosures. Charles Gardner of the B.B.C. now opened up on the loud speakers to whip up some enthusiasm, and half-a-dozen bookies, somewhat hesitant, started to shout the odds. Smiling winners: (left to right) W. P. Bowles, Norton Griffiths; T. W. Hayhow, whose Tiger was first over the line in the Grosvenor but subsequently disqualified; C. Gregory, King's Cup and third in the Grosvenor; P. G. Lawrence, Kemsley and third in the King's Cup. (D. F. Ogilvy became the winner of the Grosvenor race in place of Hayhow. Unlucky Lt. S. 6. Oliver had been first over the line in the Kemsley race but had clipped a turn.)
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