This image shows the ground-crew
and pilot preparing for another First World War dawn raid next
to their Sopwith Pup aircraft, a scene that could have been
witnessed on any French air field during 1917. Who knows what
the crew and pilot would have been discussing knowing the
chances of success of the mission at the time. Incredibly,
this photograph was taken in 2018 in Essex. Stow Maries
Aerodrome remains one of the most authentic airfields of the
period anywhere in the World. I was lucky enough to be present
during this magical sunrise to capture this haunting and
atmospheric image.
The
Sopwith Pup was a British Single-seat biplane fighter that
entered service with the Royal Flying Corp and the Royal Naval
Air Service towards the end of 1916. The name ‘Pup’ was not an
official designation, but a nickname that came about when a
pilot commented that the aircraft was a smaller version of the
Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter. With pleasant flying characteristics and
good maneuverability, the aircraft proved very successful. The
Pup was eventually outclassed by newer German fighters, but it
was not completely replaced on the Western Front until the end
of 1917.
The
reenactors are dressed in authentic costumes from the era;
they are keen historians and enthusiasts who take every care
to ensure every detail is accurate. The airfield itself was
established here in 1916 for use by the Royal Flying Corps
during the First World War. By 1919 the airfield had served
its purpose and ceased to be required during peace time. Due
to an unsuitable clay-based soil, Stow Maries was not
re-opened during the Second World War despite its location.
Stow Maries Aerodrome was therefore
left largely abandoned and intact for almost 90 years, some of
the buildings were used for grain store, but otherwise
remained untouched until the airfield was purchased by Steve
Wilson and Russell Savory who set about restoring it to the a
state that it would have been found in 1919.
Today the
Aviation Heritage Trust and the Vintage Aviator Ltd base
several World War One aircraft at the historic Aerodrome and
regular open days are held where some of these aeroplanes can
be seen taking to the skies. |
