A century of co-operation between the US and UK aerospace industries was remembered on Monday with the rededication of a memorial at the Farnborough site.
The memorial comprises an obelisk marking the spot where, in 1906, American-born pilot Samuel F Cody made the first flight in the UK. Though the obelisk itself has been on the site since the 1920s, a new plaque has been affixed as part of the rededication.
The ceremony took place at 4pm on 22 July, the exact time that the flight was believed to have taken place 96 years ago.
The event was organised by the Kallman Worldwide, a trade show management and representation firm which also organised the American pavilion for the show.
The event was attended by representatives from the US and UK armed forces including Air Cdre Tony Nicholson who was Farnborough air officer between 1994-1998, and Jean Roberts from the Cody Society. Both helped to unveil the updated obelisk along with Air Cdre Bill Tyck, Mike Slade from QinetiQ and the Farnborough Air Science Trust, and Sqn Ldr David Milne. Representatives from the 204 North Irish Field Hospital (Volunteers) were present as were members from the Farnborough Air Training Core.
When the obelisk unveiled, Tom Kallman, chief executive of Kallmann Worldwide, presented a £400 cheque to a representative of the Farnborough Air Science Trust.
Source: Flight Daily News
