CHAPTER IV
The following is extracted from the official notices issued to members of the Royal Aero Club, under date June 7th, 1913:
“Mortimer Singer £500 Prize.
“Mr. T. O. M. Sopwith is now ready to make the flight for this prize, and attempts will be made almost immediately. The course is on the Solent, and the official observers on behalf of the Club are Lieut. Spencer D. Gray, R.N., and Mr. J. N. Spottiswoode. The aircraft is a Sopwith Tractor biplane fitted with 100 h.p. Gnome engine. The pilot is Mr. H. G. Hawker. In this competition, six out and home flights have to be made on a course from a point on the land to a point out at sea, not less than five miles distant in a direct line, but the latter point shall not be less than one mile from any shore. Alightings have to be made on arrival at each point.”
In short, Harry had been detailed to carry out pioneer work with the Amphibian type of aircraft, the initial development of which is popularly, but erroneously, supposed to have been the outcome of the prizes offered by the Air Ministry in 1919 for machines of this type.
Extracts from Royal Aero Club notices to members, under date June 21st, 1913:
“Mortimer Singer £500 Prize.
“Intending competitors are again reminded that this competition is now open.
“Mr. H. G. Hawker on a Sopwith biplane has already made one or two attempts, and will be going again as soon as some minor alterations to the aircraft have been completed. In giving the specification of the aircraft used by Mr. Hawker, an error was made in regard to the motor. The aircraft is fitted with a 100 h.p. Green.”
“Height Records.