Sopwith Seaplane on the Thames
Tommy Sopwith, a keen aviator, tested the floats of his Sopwith Seaplane on the Thames in preparation for racing in 1914. This photograph from 1916, show that he was still doing so even after complaints from the Thames Conservancy, who were responsible for the management of the river.
The "Sopwith Camel" was a famous plane of the first world war, and also flown by the fictional hero, Biggles. It was designed by Sir Thomas "Tommy" Sopwith, and manufactured in Kingston at the factory he shared with plane maker Harry Hawker. The site at Canbury Park Road later developed the Hawker Hurricane for use in the second world war, and became known as the Hawker-Siddeley Aircraft Company Ltd.
|
|
Sopwith seaplane on the Thames |
Introduction
Flying Camels
previous section
