Page 28 - Thrapston Life April 2023

GLANCE AT
THE PAST
Eric Franklin looks back
Over 100 years ago, flight was still a novelty and to spot an aeroplane anywhere was a major event. In this area, such a sight was very newsworthy, and every occasion merited a mention. These are just a few of the many brief reports to appear in the local press.
In May 1914 Lieut. Collett of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) developed engine
an aeroplane (above right).
In January 1917 during the afternoon of
Sunday 7th, two aeroplanes descended in fields adjoining Huntingdon Road, Thrapston, and remained for about half an hour. A large number of people went to see them.
On Monday 18th March 1918 the local newspaper reported that, during the afternoon
problems on a flight from Grimsby to Farnborough and was forced to make an emergency landing beside Thorpe Station, where it was given a police guard. His biplane was repaired by a mechanic from Grimsby the next day and the pilot took off and flew over Thrapston, giving locals a very good view of the machine. Four years later the RNAS was merged with the Royal Flying Corps to form the RAF.
the RNAS was merged with the Royal Flying Corps to form the RAF
a large airship, flying exceedingly low, passed very slowly over Thrapston.
In April 1918 much excitment was felt during the evening of 22nd when an aeroplane descended in one of Mr. David’s fields adjoining Huntingdon Road after developing a fault. Pending the arrival of air-service men, a
guard was provided by the Thrapston Volunteers.
During May 1916 these stories appeared in the local press, the complete report being quoted.
During Tuesday night, several Zeppelin warnings were received, and a number of Special Constables went on duty.
On Wednesday 10th, an aeroplane flew over town at about a quarter to one.
In September 1916 a fancy dress and cycle parade was held to raise funds for men serving in the armed forces. One bicycle was made into
On 4th June 1918 an aeroplane landed in a field at Islip during the afternoon. It was much damaged owing to the unevenness of the ground, and the airman was considerably shaken. The Thrapston Platoon of Volunteers provided a guard until the arrival, late in the evening, of service men.
On 18th October 1918, Dr Gainer was called to attend Thorpe Station when an aeroplane crashed through telegraph poles, narrowly missing the signalbox and track. The station and
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