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Sopwith Gordon Bennett Racer armed with a Lewis gun
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Sopwith Gordon Bennett Racer armed with a Lewis gun
Sopwith Gordon Bennett Racer armed with a Lewis gun and protetively sheathed propeller at RNAS station Dunkerque in Spring 1915
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Media ID 14223799
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Armed Bennett Dunkerque Gordon Lewis Propeller Racer Rnas Sopwith Spring Sheathed
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the essence of early aviation history, as a Sopwith Gordon Bennett Racer plane, armed with a Lewis gun and protected propeller, sits at RNAS (Royal Naval Air Station) Dunkerque in the spring of 1915. The Sopwith Gordon Bennett Racer, named after the prestigious international air race, was a single-seat biplane designed for high-speed competition and military use. Its sleek lines and distinctive shape make it a striking sight against the backdrop of the RNAS station. The addition of the Lewis gun, a versatile and effective machine gun of the time, underscores the plane's military capabilities. The gun was mounted on a flexible mounting, allowing the pilot to aim and fire it accurately while in flight. The protective sheathing around the propeller is also evident in the photograph, a necessary precaution to prevent damage to the propeller blades from the bullets fired from the gun. The scene at RNAS Dunkerque was a hive of activity during this period, as the station played a crucial role in the defense of the English Channel against German air raids. The presence of armed planes like the Sopwith Gordon Bennett Racer was a testament to the evolving nature of warfare and the importance of air power in the early 20th century. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when the future of aviation was being written, and the role of planes in warfare was being redefined.
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