CLAUDE GRAHAME-WHITE.
Claude Grahame-White, the most famous of British aviators, learned to fly in France, under the tutelage of M. Bleriot, Having accomplished so much, he went to Mourmelon, the location of Farman’s establishment, and made himself equally proficient on the Farman biplane. While in France he taught many pupils, among them Armstrong Drexel. Returning to England, he opened a school for English aviators.
He came into prominent public notice in his contest with Paulhan in the race from London to Manchester, and although Paulhan won the prize, Grahame-White received a full share of glory for his plucky persistence against discouraging mishaps.
At the Boston-Harvard meet, in September, 1910, Grahame-White carried off nearly all the prizes, and in addition won for himself a large measure of personal popularity.
On October 14th he flew from the Benning Race Track 6 miles away, over the Potomac River, around the dome of the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and over the course of Pennsylvania Avenue, up to the State, War, and Navy Department building, alighting accurately with his 40-foot biplane in the 60-foot street. Having ended his “call,” he mounted his machine and rose skilfully into the air and returned to his starting point.
At the Belmont Park meet, in October, Grahame-White captured the international speed prize with his 100-horse-power Bleriot monoplane, and finished second in the race around the Statue of Liberty, being beaten by only 43 seconds.