In a Cross-Country Handicap over a 12-mile course in which Harry competed at Brooklands in June, he was too heavily handicapped to be any but an “also ran.” The weather was ideal, except for a slight haze. Flying pupils, who took part in the race as well as instructors, probably scored advantageously in the handicapping. Harry’s machine, the Sopwith Tractor, with so many records as were to its credit, could hardly be expected to escape with a slight handicap.
Harry captured the Mortimer Singer prize of £500 on Tuesday, July 8th, 1913, making, without any outside assistance, six out and home five-mile passenger flights (including a climb of 1,500 feet), alighting at each turning-point, on land or sea alternately. The flights were carried out at Southampton Water, on the 100 h.p. Green Sopwith flying-boat.
Extract from official notices to members of the Royal Aero Club, issued under date July 12th, 1913.
Mortimer Singer £500 Prize.
“News has just reached the Club of the success of the Sopwith Aviation Company in this competition. The pilot was Mr. H. G. Hawker, on a Sopwith Tractor biplane, fitted with 100 h.p. Green motor. The flights were made at Cowes on Tuesday afternoon, and the official observers of the Royal Aero Club were Mr. J. N. Spottiswoode and Mr. Howard T. Wright.
“The reports of the observers and barograph charts will be considered by the Committee of the Club on Tuesday next, and if everything is in order the prize of £500, kindly presented by Mr. A. Mortimer Singer, will be awarded.”
Extract from official notices issued to members of the Royal Aero Club under date July 19th, 1913.
“Mortimer Singer £500 Prize.
“The £500 prize, kindly put up for competition by Mr. A. Mortimer Singer, has been awarded to Mr. T. O. M. Sopwith, the entrant of the Sopwith biplane, which successfully accomplished the tests laid down in the rules. Mr. H. G. Hawker was the pilot of the aircraft, and the course was from a point on the land off Southampton Water to a point on the Solent, five miles away. Six out and home flights had to be made, alighting on arrival at each point. In each flight an altitude of at least 750 feet had to be attained, and on one occasion during the tests an altitude of 1,500 feet. The time allowed for the carrying out of the tests was 5 hours, but Mr. Hawker completed in 3 hours, 25 minutes.
“The following is the specification relating to the all-British aircraft used by Mr. Hawker: