I took part in the special air race to mark Louis Blériot's flight across the Channel in 1909 on Saty=urday 25 July. We started at Abbeville, a location famous as a German fighter base in WW2. The route was via BNE VOR near Boulogne, coasting out to the east of Cap Griz Nez with the finish line overhead the Coastguard Station at Dover, adjacent to where Blériot landed after his flight.
There were 24 aircraft taking part, ranging from an ultralight Eurostar to a Beech Baron. I was in a Beagle Pup 150. Race height over France was 500 feet, what you liked over the Channel provided you kept 500 feet away from any shipping, and 800 feet at the finish.
Waiting to start. The Eurostar took off nearly 20 minutes before the Number 2, an AA1. I was Number 4 to go.
Next in line, one minute after Number 3
Rolling out at the BNE VOR turning point
500 feet across France
Coasting out
Mid Channel
Approaching Dover. The three big masts are the WW2 Chain Home radar masts
Finish line in sight
The Military School temporary landing site where the Blériots flew in early that morning
One of the RVs finally catches us, a bit too late!
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
