Landrake
LANDRAKE: Temporary forced landing site
Location: In or near Landrake village on the A38. About 8nm ESE of Liskeard town centre and roughly 8nm NW of Plymouth city centre
Period of operation: 19th June 1912
QUITE A STORY!
In 1912 the then famous French aviator Henri Salmet was sponsored by the Daily Mail to conduct a Tour, between May and September. Mostly in England, but also South Wales, ending up in Ireland. (Then part of the U.K. of course). He was féted almost everywhere he went, especially if he arrived on time, to often a fabulous degree. Thousands turned out to see his 'exhibitions of flying' and grand civic receptions arranged.
But - these flights by Salmet were in the earliest period of fixed wing aviation and so much more needed to be learnt in every respect. Not least, how to contend with en route weather. The accounts below tell about how fraught with problems wind can be. Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide' has researched this Tour, and the itinerary can be seen in my article on the subject.
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The second item, a newspaper article, was published in the Gloucester Journal on the 22nd June 1912.
The newspaper article, divided into two parts to make it easier to read, was published in the St Austell Star on the 27th June 1912.
NOTES
Without any doubt after leaving Fowey, Salmet had indeed encountered a gale force wind, possibly up to gale force 9. We need to bear in mind that he was flying a very light aeroplane with a highly cambered light wing loading design. Small wonder he really struggled to maintain control of his machine and was totally exhausted when he did get it down. Indeed, it is a testimony to his skills and sheer perseverance, that he survived this flight.
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