1879-1947 |
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Maj. William Hugh Ewen Collection of John Terry, 9-11-08 |
William Hugh Ewen
Dear Ralph,via email from John Terry, 7-25-08 My grandfather was a pioneer Scottish Aviator and I spent 60 years thinking he was the first Scotsman to fly, but after the Royal Aeronautical Society released the Certificates from 1910 – 1950 I found out he was the fifth UK holder, there being one Scot who held a French Certificate before his untimely death. My grandfather is No 63. I am working on a web site for him and will launch it soon, it will be www.1stflyingscot.co.uk, I hope you enjoy it. |
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Certificate
Fr 7113 24 45 56 * 63 |
Name
Capt. Bertram DicksonHon Alan Kelburn Boyle James George Weir Lt. Reginald A. Cammell Arthur Haynes Aitken William Hugh Ewen |
Date of Birth
21/12/18738/10/1886 23/5/1887 10/1/1886 14/12/1880 1/12/1879 |
Place of Birth
EdinburghOakfield, Ayr Cambuslang Inverness Helensburgh Shanghai |
Date of Certificate
12/05/191014/06/1910 08/11/1910 31/12/1910 14/02/1911 14/02/1911 |
Plane
FarmanAvis monoplane Bleriot monoplane Bristol Biplane Bleriot monoplane Bleriot monoplane |
Location
Chalons FranceBrooklands Hendon Salisbury Plain Beaulieu Hendon |
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In the meantime, if I can contribute anything to your site please don’t hesitate to ask. Very best regards John Terry |
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"DAILY MAIL" AEROPLANE CIRCUIT, 1912 W. H. EWEN WITH HIS 60? H.P. CAUDRON BIPLANE Collection of John Terry, 9-11-08 |
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Flightgobal/archive serious about aviation WELCOME The Flightglobal Archive invites you to explore 100 years of aviation history as it appeared in the original pages of Flight Magazine from 1909-2005. * Every issue of Flight Magazine published between 1909-2005, digitally scanned and fully searchable * Thumbnail browser interface allowing for rapid issue viewing * Save and print your favourite articles * Topic pages, plus unique archive photo and cutaway galleries * 100% FREE ACCESS – forever. In fact we’re positively encouraging you to link to, copy and paste from, and contribute to the development of this unique record of aerospace and aviation history * Read our FAQs The Flightglobal Archive is a collaborative and ongoing project. We welcome your input in growing our topic categories and discovering hidden gems within the depths of time. If you find something of interest that you want to share with us and other Archive visitors then let us know You will find a wealth of material in this incredible resource. You can access it by clicking on the title. |
| September 9, 1911 |  |
Mr. W. H. Ewen, the Scottish aviator who flew the Firth of Forth last week |
FIRST ACROSS THE FIRTH OF FORTH.
ALTHOUGH some time ago a prize was offered for a flight
across the Firth of Forth, it was subsequently withdrawn, owing
to lack of competition. On the 30th ult., however, the double
journey across the Forth was made in splendid style by Mr.
W. H. Ewen on his Deperdussin monoplane, one of the latest
"popular" type. Starting from the Marine Gardens of Porto-belio,
Mr. Ewen rose until he was about 1,000 ft. high, and
passing Inch Keith went on until within a mile of Kinghorn.
He then turned and proceeded up the Firth in the direction of Leith.
Two miles from the port he once more turned, and this time headed
for his starting point at Portobello. He was planing down there,
but coming to the conclusion that the Sports Ground was rather too
restricted for landing, he flew outside the ground, and descended in
a field in the neighbourhood. As soon as the mechanics arrived
the wings were taken off and the machine wheeled back to the
aerodrome. Mr. Ewen was in the air for about ten minutes, and
covered roughly twelve miles.On his return to the Marine Gardens, Mr. Ewen was welcomed on behalf of the Executive by Councillor Rawson. Speaking of his flight, which he described as successful in every way, he said that he had a bad five minutes when at about the middle of the Firth on the return journey, when the machine rocked and swayed a good deal, but the Anzani-engined Deperdussin stood up to her work in fine style. He never had any difficulty in observing his location, and when over the water was easily able to make out the steamers beneath. |
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William Hugh Ewen died on November 26th 1947 in Edinburgh. |
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If you have any information on this pioneer aviator, please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper Back 
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