Ramsgate water
Note: I assume the harbour was used as the base?
RAMSGATE: Temporary operating site, on water
Period of operation: 16th August 1911
NOTES: After the ‘Circuit of Europe’ and ‘Circuit of Britain’ races ended, Lord Northcliffe came up with another idea, the ‘Seaplane Race round Britain’ with a prize of £5000 to the British airman who could complete the course; 1540 miles in 72 hours, flying a British machine with a British engine. Despite four entries being filed only one aircraft took part! The Sopwith flown by H G (Harry) Hawker with his mechanic Mr Kauper.
The original routing for the race was: SOUTHAMPTON, DOVER, YARMOUTH, SCARBOROUGH, ABERDEEN, INVERNESS, OBAN, DUBLIN, FALMOUTH and back to SOUTHAMPTON. It appears the Admiralty took exception to private flying machines coming near naval bases along the south and east coasts. But of course the Admiralty was controlled by people several of which were so mad they’d run the risk of being ‘sectioned’ today?
The eventual route was: RAMSGATE, YARMOUTH, SCARBOROUGH, ABERDEEN, CROMARTY, OBAN, DUBLIN and FALMOUTH. Hawkers attempt ended at DUBLIN.
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