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Anthony Wilding at an aerodrome in France, 1915
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Anthony Wilding at an aerodrome in France, 1915
Captain Anthony Frederick Wilding (1883-1915), New Zealand born tennis player and four-times Wimbledon champion pictured at an aerodrome somewhere in France in 1915 with from left, Miss Maxine Elliott and Lady Drogheda. He was attached to the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War. Wilding died near Neuve Chapelle, France on 9 May 1915 while fighting in the Battle of Aubers Ridge. Date: 1915
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Media ID 14141278
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Aerodrome Airman Airmen Anthony Champion Drogheda Elliott Frederick Maxine Player Players Sportsman Sportsmen Tennis Wilding Wimbledon
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment when tennis legend Captain Anthony Frederick Wilding (1883-1915) took a brief respite from the horrors of the Battlefield to explore the emerging world of aviation. Taken at an aerodrome in France in 1915, the image shows Wilding in high spirits as he stands between two intriguing women, Miss Maxine Elliott and Lady Drogheda. At the time, Wilding was serving with the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War. Born in New Zealand, Wilding was a four-time Wimbledon champion and a leading figure in the world of tennis. His tennis career was marked by extraordinary skill and unwavering determination. However, when the call to duty came, he answered without hesitation, leaving behind his racket and tennis court for the trenches and the skies. Tragically, Wilding's military service was short-lived. He lost his life near Neuve Chapelle, France, on 9 May 1915, during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. The photo, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of a remarkable sportsman who put his country and his beliefs above all else, even in the face of death. The photograph's historical significance is further underscored by the burgeoning aviation industry, which was just beginning to take shape during the First World War. The image encapsulates the spirit of adventure and innovation that characterized this period, as well as the inexorable march of technology and its impact on warfare. This photograph is a poignant testament to the sacrifices made by athletes and civilians alike during the Great War. It stands as a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who gave their all for their country.
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