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A most wonderful exhibition of flying by Hawker, Raynham, and Marix.
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First Cross-country Flight.
Did you see your little son to-day emulating the antics of Nature’s aerial ornithopters? I left Aerodrome “B” about 10.15 a.m. and went over to S., then I branched off at right angles for W., but as I was about 4,000 feet up I could not pick it out from the other parks and commons, and so, finding myself running into a formidable set of clouds, I “about turned,” and after taking my map from my pocket and studying it on my knee for a few minutes, I found out where I was and set out for Aerodrome “A.” I found it all right, landed, had a chat with the pupils, borrowed a “bike” and went round to my old rooms, with chocolate for Betty. Teddie, the dog, was overjoyed to see me.... I soon got going again and did a few circles over the hospital where Mrs. S. was nursing, climbed to 2,000 feet, and followed the railway to—home! Here I did a circle, trying to cover the houses of as many of my old friends as I could, and then made off at right angles to the railway for Aerodrome “B.” Before I left home I dropped four letters with streamers attached—two to you, one to A. C., and one to the Head. Only a few words inside, so it does not matter whether they are lost or opened by some one else. I have no idea where they fell. I could see Aerodrome “B” eight miles away directly I left you, and landed beautifully in time for lunch. I covered the distance in about seven and a half minutes, having had a ripping morning. I hope you saw me; and if you did, how much money did Dad win betting it was me?
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The following extracts are from a letter from home which crossed the above in post:
“We saw you. It was all very interesting, and has sent a thrill over the neighbourhood! To ease your mind I may tell you that your letter was duly picked up and delivered within three hours of your visit.... The Mater saw an aeroplane passing over earlier in the morning and told me she was sure you had taken Betty her chocolate. Later it became borne in upon me that you were on your way back. I went to the door. Immediately there came the roar of a Gnome-engined biplane, and I yelled ‘Here he is.’ Up came the Gnome-engine biplane, gaily waving its propeller; then it turned and circled round home. I gurgled ‘It is Theta,’ seized my handkerchief and waved it violently. Then there fluttered down from the aeroplane some little things that glittered in the sun as they fell, and we knew it was your machine.... Then you appeared to go up over the school grounds and so home. I watched you till you were only a speck in the sky, and then turned away. I shall hope when I wake in the morning to have the scene described as it appeared to you from above. Meanwhile our hearty congratulations on your first cross-country flight.”