Themes

Conflict and Change

• Introduction

• In Focus: 1900

  • Surface Fleet

  • Submarines

  • Royal Marines

  • Fleet Air Arm

• In Focus: World War One

• In Focus: Interwar

• In Focus: World War Two

• In Focus: Post War Conflict

• In Focus: Cold War Climate

• In Focus: Falklands and Beyond

• Special Exhibition: Falklands 25

Learning

• How To: Understand Propaganda

• Propaganda Image Galleries

• Education Project: Sea With Your Own Eyes

1900: Fleet Air Arm

Article Highlights

• Introduction

• Airships

• Naval officers learn to fly

• Seaplane trials

• Royal Flying Corps

• The run up to war

Naval officers learn to fly

Whilst the Navy began their doomed airship project a pioneering pilot named Francis K McClean approached the Navy with an appealing offer. In February 1911 he offered the Navy the use of two of his aeroplanes so that naval officers could learn to fly. A fiercely patriotic man, Francis McClean was the first man to fly the length of the Thames to Westminster in 1912 and also to fly through Tower Bridge. Over two hundred officers applied for flying training and from these 4 were chosen; Lt Samson RN, Lt Gregory RN, Lt Longmore RN and Lt Gerrard from the Royal Marines Light Infantry.

The course was based at the Royal Aero Club field in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey. McClean owned most of the land and leased it to the club. The Short brothers, who were currently providing parts for the Navy’s airship, also moved in next to the airfield to develop their aeroplanes and it was two planes of their design that were loaned to the Navy. The Short brothers also provided the naval officers with free technical instruction.

The enthusiasm and success of the 1st course of pilots convinced the Admiralty to continue the course at Eastchurch after it had come to an end. The first two pilots to qualify were Lt CR Samson RN and Lt AM Longmore RN, who qualified within two months. These two were also successful in flying cross-country over Northern England and back over three days with two forced landings. These feats as well as those above did much for the cause of Naval aviation.

Related External Links

• Fleet Air Arm Museum