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Queen Mary Reservoir plane crash, 1937
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Queen Mary Reservoir plane crash, 1937
The wreckage of an airplane belonging to the Midland Bank Flying Club, which crashed into Queen Mary reservoir, near Staines, Middlesex in 1937. The plane had come from Hanworth aerodrome and the pilot, Mr Herbert Willis, had drowned. Date: 1937
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Media ID 23090662
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Accident Aerodrome Bank Crash Crashed Hanworth Herbert Middlesex Midland Oct18 Reservoir Staines Willis Wreck Wreckage 1937 Areoplane
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This evocative photograph captures the aftermath of a tragic aviation accident that occurred on October 18, 1937, near Staines in Middlesex, England. The wreckage of a Midland Bank Flying Club aircraft lies submerged in the waters of Queen Mary Reservoir. The plane, which had taken off from Hanworth Aerodrome, crashed into the reservoir, resulting in the unfortunate death of its pilot, Mr. Herbert Willis. The 1930s was an era of great excitement and innovation in the field of aviation, with flying clubs like the Midland Bank Flying Club offering ordinary people the opportunity to experience the thrill of flight. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in this fledgling industry. The image presents a haunting tableau of the plane's remnants, with the wings and fuselage partially submerged in the water, surrounded by debris and detritus. The once gleaming aircraft now lies broken and defeated, a poignant testament to the fragility of human endeavor. The tranquil waters of Queen Mary Reservoir, with their reflection of the surrounding trees and sky, provide a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction wrought by the crash. The scene is one of quiet reflection, as the full impact of the tragedy unfolds. This photograph, taken in 1937, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when the promise of flight was tempered by the very real dangers that accompanied it. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of progress and innovation, and the enduring allure of the open skies.
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