UKDRN

Anything Nostalgia Related.

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 #39804  by taylov
 
Long before Santa Pod existed there was a remarkable link between the site and speed.

There's a War Graves Commission gravestone in Podington churchyard to Air Vice Marshal Augustus Henry Orlebar, C.B.E., A.F.C. and Bar, Royal Air Force. Died 4th August 1943, aged 46.

The stone omits the most amazing thing about this man who actually lived in the village. In September 1929 he set an air speed record of 357.7 mph in Supermarine S.6 seaplane N247, which was over 120 mph faster than Sir Henry Segrave's Land speed record. This feat was carried out off Calshot, Hants over the Schneider Trophy course.
 #39935  by ukdrn
 
What an interesting story.
I did some more reading and found this
"one of his seven 'kills' appears to have been Lothar von Richthofen. He was hospitalized in Dusseldorf for over a month in March 1917 after Orebar in a Camel and Bristol Fighter crew Geoffrey Hughes and Hugh Claye, jointly claimed forcing down the Triplane flown by the younger brother of the Red Baron"

Stev
 #40234  by Filby
 
There is arguably a more tangible connection between Squadron Leader Orlebar and Podington village. He was born in the family home, better known to race fans as Hinwick House which borders the crossroads formed by Airfield Road and Hinwick Road. Built in 1706, the house remained in the same family until 1994. The history of the family house can be found at;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinwick_House

Note: there is an error on the map co-ordinates published on this web page. The easterly co-ordinate has a minus missing, such that it should read -0.631ºE. If you blindly click on the published link, you’ll end up in a field to the west of Bury St Edmunds!

Attached is an image of Squadron Leader Orlebar being ferried ashore by an airman clad in waders. This image features in Derek James’ book entitled “The Schneider Trophy Contest 1913 - 1931” printed by Tempus Publishing.
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