Broadheath
Note: This map only gives a very rough location of where Salmet might have landed.
BROADHEATH: Brief diversionary and very temporary 'Landing Ground'
Whilst flying from Hereford to Worcester (Pitchcroft) on the 22nd July 1912, Salmet saw that a "storm cloud" was approaching Worcester from the north east. And indeed, might well have been over Worcester town centre - his intended venue being just on the west side of Worcester.
These events are of course quite common in England, especially during the spring and summer months, and usually produce very heavy downpours and severe local winds. Plus of course, very often lightning, or even hail. Bad enough in a modern light aircraft, but very bad news for those early aviators. Apart from becoming virtually blinded, such conditions can damage the propeller and the fabric - let alone causing the engine to badly malfunction or stop altogether.
Note: The first two items were kindly provided by Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide' - the newspaper article being published in the Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer on the 27th July 1912. The local area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Making precautionary landings whilst en route was common enough practice in those days - often to ask directions! By this stage the French aviator Henri Salmet was both famous and highly accomplished, his prowess in navigating being widely recognised. This being an example of him wisely landing to wait for the 'storm cell' to pass through, which usually doesn't take very long.
What makes this occassion worth mentioning in this 'Guide' is that a crowd of people had not gathered. Presumably they were on their way, mostly by foot and bicycle as he departed. We need to remember that in those days the vast majority of the population had never seen an aeroplane, so the arrival of one in their locality generated a huge amount of interest. When the possibility of an exhibition of flying was arranged, even with just one pilot and his machine, (as aircraft were called in those days), huge crowds would gather. These events were very prestigious and ceased upon by local dignitaries keen to share in the publicity.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
