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Aeroplane that flew itself
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Aeroplane that flew itself
A British biplane flies on, though the pilot and observer are both dead. The aeroplane was observing artillery when set upon by enemy Albatros scouts. With the aid of another aircraft from the same squadron, the British plane was able to drive the enemy planes away back to their lines. Assuming all was well with the first British plane, the second returned to its aerodrome. When it failed to return, it was only found the following night, fifty miles from the scene of combat. Both pilot and observer had been killed during the dogfight, and their plane had flown itself in broad circles until running out of fuel. Date: 1918
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Media ID 14225292
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Biplane Flew Flies Observer Pilot Simpson
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the chaotic skies above the Western Front during World War I, an extraordinary event unfolded. This poignant photograph captures the remnants of a British biplane, its wings tattered and weary, continuing its flight long after the tragic loss of its crew. The date is 1918, and the scene is one of intense aerial combat between Allied and German forces. The British biplane, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the time, had been observing enemy artillery positions when it was suddenly set upon by a squadron of Albatros scouts. In a valiant attempt to defend itself, the British plane engaged in a fierce dogfight with the enemy aircraft. With the assistance of another plane from the same squadron, the British biplane managed to drive the Albatros scouts away, allowing the Allied forces to regain control of the area. However, the cost of victory was high. The second British plane, having successfully completed its mission, returned to its aerodrome, only to be tragically lost in the skies. It wasn't until the following night that the wreckage was discovered, some fifty miles from the scene of combat. The pilot, Joseph Simpson, and his observer were both deceased, their lives claimed in the heat of battle. The plane, however, continued to fly, its engines still humming, its wings still soaring in broad circles, until it ran out of fuel. This remarkable image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War and the incredible stories that lie within its history.
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