1880-1910 |
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Collection of Jean-Pierre Lauwers |
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GRAVE FEARS THAT NORTH SEA HOLDS LATEST AERO TRAGEDY. from See Them Flying: Houston Peterson's Air-Age Scrapbook, 1909-1910 Courtesy of Roy Nagl, 1-4-04 To read the whole article, from which the paragraph above was extracted, you can click on the title above. In addition, Roy has transcribed two other articles which feature information about Cecil Grace. You can access them by clicking on: and AVIATOR GRACE NOT FOUND. While there, if time permits, I heartily recommend that you sample some of the 54 other articles, (1-5-04), which Roy has transcribed for our enjoyment. |
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by Jean-Pierre Lauwers, 4-27-02 Reached at Folkstone 1,800 meters altitude and a speed of 96 km/h. December 22, 1910, in a Short-Farman plane, flew from Sangatte to Dover. The same day he attempted to fly over the English Channel, but never arrived in France. Missing at sea, he very probably drowned. |
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by email from F. Cecil Grace, 4-1-04 The tradition in my family is that this was to have been a round trip flight, that he did make it to France, and went down in the Channel on the return trip, probably due to weather, as instrument flying did not exist in those days. I believe I can find something in writing to support this, if you are interested and can give me time. Cecil Grace was my father's first cousin, and since he died without issue, I was given the name when I was born in 1915. As far as I know, I am the only pilot in the family in my generation, but in the next generation after me, it might interest you to know that at least six family members have received pilot certificates from three countries, including a female ATP. Not all, of course, have the surname Grace, and many, including me, are not currently flying. Very truly yours, F. Cecil Grace |
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via email from Bob Davis, 8-16-47 In cataloging the clippings on file at home, I got these fairly conclusive details: "Aviator's Body Found in Harbor of Ostend," Knoxville Journal and Tribune, March 15, 1911, "Ostende, Belgium, March 14. - A body was brought to the surface in this harbor today which is thought to be that of Cecil Grace, the aviator who was lost last December while attempting a return aeroplane flight from Calais to Dover. Although greatly disfigured the body is said by those who examined it to have the appearance of that of the luckless English aviator. Cecil Grace was the son of the late J. A. Grace of New York and a nephew of former Mayor William R. Grace. He was a member of the Royal Aero club and in an attempt to win the Baron de Forest prize of $20,000 December 23 flew over the English channel from Dover, reaching the Belgium frontire. He was turned back by adverse winds and after landing near Calais started on the return trip across the channel. He was never heard from again but his cap and glasses were picked up in the North Sea off Mariakerke, Belgium, January 6 and later what was supposed to be the wreckage of his aeroplane was found near the same place." Evidentally I missed an intervening article on the denial of the body being Grace's. Possibly a search of NY or London newspapers will give more details, but almost two weeks later we find this: "Aviator Grace is Officially Dead," Knoxville Journal and Tribune, March 28, 1911, "London, March 27. - The executors of the estate of Cecil Grace, the aviator who lost his life while attempting a cross-channel flight, were granted leave to presume his death by the probate court today. The body of the aviator has not been found." A case of keeping some little hope up? |
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via email from Helen landau, 1-25-06 Horace Short was a great friend of my Great Grandfather's and as a result I have had many stories passed down to me.It is indeed terrible that Governments have given so little acclaim to these incredible men particularly the Short Brothers.I am in touch with the Shorts Commemorative Society and I have Bill Croydon's Early Birds and wonder if he is still alive? I am currently trying to trace Horace's descendants - any information you may have would be gratefully received. I have sourced your information on Cecil Grace but would like to know more. I should be most grateful for any individual stories you may have which could be appropriate. Kind Regards, Helen Landau Editor's Note:9-9-07 I apologize for this very tardy response to Helen's request. However, if you can help her in her research, I know she would appreciate it. Please send your message to me. I will forward them to her promptly. Thank you. |
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via email from Helen landau, 1-27-06 Thank you for replying to my EMail. I was amazed to see that you live in Pasadena - I had presumed you were English! Early Birds by Bill Croydon is the best, most concise booklet I have come across relating to the early British pioneers and their struggles along with the Wright Brothers in trying to convince Governments,(American, British, French, German) to purchase the Wrights biplane. In the end it was Sir Charles Rolls and his friends of the Royal Aero Club based at Mussel Manor, Leysdown, who moved to Eastchurch (as you probably know) who commissioned the Short Brothers, and who are the very first British Manufacturers of the aeroplane. Ref. The Short Brothers Commemorative Society, The Chairman is Darrell Penhale and his EMail is djpenhale@yahoo.co.uk. Yes, I have accessed information about Cecil Grace but agree would like to know more. I am sorry ot hear of your wife's poor health. I am intrigued to know your aims in relation to all your research. Mine are simple, ie through means of a simple novel (which may not be awfully good I'm afraid to say as I am not an experienced writer or novelist) highlight the incrdible feats of the Short Brothers in their early years of manufacturing. They should have received honours and awards right at the start from the British Government and they should still receive them albeit posthumously. Any information you have on the early Aero Club Members would be very welcome. Kind Regards, Helen Landau Editor's Note:9-9-07 I thank Helen for the important bits of information. If any of you can help her in her search for more information, please let me know, I will forward your messages to her. Thank you. |
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Photo courtesy of Dr. Colin F. Parsons This website tells the unique and fascinating story of a little-known memorial to British Aviation. It includes references to Cecil Grace and some 12 other British pioneer aviators, as well as three "Designers and Constructors" and four members of the "Royal Naval Air Service." It includes photographs of the memorial to the pioneers and is an appropriate entry point for a discussion of British pioneers. It may be accessed by clicking on: |
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A HISTORY OF AERONAUTICS In Chapter XVII. A SUMMARY, TO 1911 of this online book, you will find the reference to Cecil Grace, who with C. S. Rolls, Moore Brabazon and Rawlinson were active on the Isle of Sheppey. You can access this page by clicking on: While at the site, I highly recommend that you visit the homepage of this remarkable online resource. You can access it by clicking on: |
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If you have any information on this pioneer aviator please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper |
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