Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Lakes
Temporary dam construction on River Dangu
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Temporary dam construction on River Dangu
Local workers construct a temporary dam on the River Dangu, Belgian Congo (Zaire). The dam was being constructed in order to create a lake to allow the flying boat Corsair to take off. The Imperial Airways flying boat had made an enforced landing in March 1939, and was at first thought to be unrepairable, and the order given for it to be dismantled. A company engineer from Alexandria thought otherwise, and repairs were made and a first dam constructed. The attempt to take off in June 1939 failed and further damage resulted. Following more repaiirs and the construction of a second dam, the second attempt to take off, in January 1940, was a success and the Corsair arrived in England on January 15th 1940. Date: January 1940
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14134624
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Airways Belgian Congo Temporary Zaire January
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> Democratic Republic of the Congo
> Lakes
> Related Images
> Africa
> Republic of the Congo
> Lakes
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Lakes
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Rivers
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this historic photograph, local workers are seen constructing a temporary dam on the River Dangu in the Belgian Congo (now Zaire) in January 1940. The dam was being built to create a lake large enough for the Imperial Airways flying boat Corsair to take off. The Corsair had made an enforced landing on the river in March 1939, and was initially believed to be beyond repair. With the order to dismantle the damaged aircraft imminent, a resourceful engineer from Alexandria disagreed and set about repairing the damage. Despite initial setbacks, including a failed takeoff attempt in June 1939 that caused further damage, the team persevered. They constructed a second temporary dam and made additional repairs, and on the second attempt, on January 15, 1940, the Corsair successfully took off from the lake and made it back to England. This remarkable feat of engineering and determination in the heart of Africa allowed the Corsair to continue its vital role in Imperial Airways' transatlantic air service during World War II. The temporary dams were eventually dismantled once the flying boat had safely returned to its home base. This photograph captures a unique moment in aviation history and the ingenuity of the human spirit in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
