Post by atillathenunns on Feb 9, 2012 22:26:07 GMT 12
militarianz.freeforums.org/new-zealands-pioneering-military-airmen-and-aircraft-t1219.html
James William Humphrys Scotland
25th August 1913
James William Humphrys Scotland is admitted to the Hall Flying School at Hendon and undertakes a course in aviation.
James William Humphrys Scotland was born on 21 September 1891 at Pahi, in the Kaipara district, North Auckland, he was the second son of Henry Scotland M.L.C. and of Mary Ann, née Spriggs. He was educated at King's College, Auckland.
23rd October 1913
James William Humphrys Scotland qualifies for his Aviators Certificate (No. 658) at the Hall Flying School at Hendon, in a Caudron Biplane.
10th January 1914
“Mr James William Humphrys Scotland, who has just returned from six months in the British flying schools, a fully certificated aviator with his own aeroplane. Mr. Scotland is a young New Zealander, son of the late Hon. H. Scotland, M.L.C.
With the exception of Mr. J. J. Hammond, now in Auckland preparing to fly the Britannia monoplane, is probably the only certificated New Zealand airman in the world. Though he has been interested in aviation for several years past, it was when the American monoplane was here, nearly two years ago now, that Mr. Scotland finally resolved to become an aviator. He did not adopt the usual method of building a machine here and learning to fly it by slow degrees, but decided to make straight for the flying schools in Europe, and there master the art of flight. He left New Zealand at the beginning of May last, and on his arrival in England at once took up his quarters in the Hall School, at the famous aerodrome at Hendon. There he assiduously worked in the practical art of aviation, and some months ago gained his airman's brevet with flying colours.
The cost of learning to fly is not small —probably it would take at least £200 to go through the whole course and keep oneself at the same time. Not everybody has the capacity to become an aviator. Coolness and judgment are the chief qualities required in flying. If the aviator keeps cool he can extricate himself out of nearly all the dangers he is likely to meet without serious accident, provided always that the plane itself does not break down or the controls go wrong. Judgment is required to effect a good landing above all things, for landing is still one of the most dangerous parts of aviation.
Mr. Scotlands own machine is a Caudron biplane, equipped with six-cylinder 45 h.p. Anzani motor.
A thoroughly good aeroplane of acknowledged capacity to do the work. It arrived by the Rotorua and has now been landed. Mr. Scotland has not yet made his plans for a flying campaign, but he is out here to fly, and when he has studied the conditions of air currents and landing grounds he will give exhibitions. Where he will make his first flight is not yet settled, but the possibilities of Wellington will certainly not be overlooked.”
Interestingly the NZ Customs tariff set a duty of 20 per cent on British-made aeroplanes and a duty of 30 per cent on foreign built machines, and a duty of 20 per cent on foreign engines. British engines free.
Mr. Scotland, who was looking at £100 duty, appealed to the Defence authorities and the Minister for Customs for a relaxation of the duty. The Minister for Customs after a week’s delay signified that a rebate was to be granted.
20th February 1914
James William Humphrys Scotland makes the first substantial cross-country flight (Invercargill to Gore) in New Zealand.
The following picture is of Scotland flying his Caudron on March 6th, 1914 in Christchurch.
24th March 1914
Scotland crashes his Caudron biplane into trees at Newtown Park after experiencing some of Wellingtons notorious winds shortly after taking off at Athletic Park. The plane was a wreck.
Just out of interest, the six-cylinder 45 h.p. Anzani motor from the crashed biplane is reported to have been brought by some young Maori aviation enthusiasts from the Wanganui District. The engine would reappear at the Palmerston Motor exhibition (November 17), it had been fitted to a homemade biplane of the Dunne V type (Wings thrown back arrow wise). People could for the cost of a shilling, view the aeroplane with its engine running in an A & P shed. Whether the machine could fly is another question.
6th August 1914
A new 60-horse power two passenger Caudron aeroplane is being brought to New Zealand by the, Kaikoura, due at Auckland on August 15, to the order of Mr Scotland, the well known New Zealand aviator, whose machine came to grief at Newton Park a few months ago.
25th August 1914
It is understood that some difficulty has arisen in regard to the offer by Mr. J. W. H. Scotland, the young New Zealand aviator, to place his service and his aeroplane at the disposal of the Expeditionary Force. This he said to be due to the fact that no mention of aeroplanes and airmen was made in the instructions of the Imperial Government's accompanying its acceptance of New Zealand's offer of assistance. In answer to a question, the Hon. J. Allen said that the Britannia aeroplane given by the Standard of Empire, and flown by the late Gustav Hamel from Dover to Cologne and later in New Zealand, round Auckland, by Mr. J. J. Hammond, would not be sent Home with the Expeditionary Force. "They have plenty there," he said, "without us sending any. Besides, it may come in more useful for the protection of New Zealand. Aviators for New Zealand are now being trained in England.
28th September 1914
Mr. Scotland made a flight in his new Caudron biplane at Burnside today, but in descending bumped the earth, seriously damaging the machine. The aviator escaped with a blow over the eye. A fortnight's work will be necessary to put the aeroplane in order again, many portions of the frame requiring to be rebuilt. Interviewed after the accident Mr. Scotland said that he felt that the machine was not answering too well as soon as he got into the air, and he found it difficult to manage her. When he was alighting the elevating planes would not do their work properly, and the machine could not recover from the steep angle of its descent. The first touching of the earth was successfully managed, but a second bump saw the machine tip forward, and before he could do anything the crash was over.
7th October 1914
Mr. J. W. H. Scotland is admitted to Christchurch Hospital for treatment of a throat complaint. Originally thought to be only 2 - 3 weeks length, would after a relapse keep him in hospital for the remainder of the year.
23rd February 1915
J. W. H. Scotland leaves for Sydney en route to England, sailing on the Ulimaroa to join the Flying Corps for service at the front.
In February 1915 the Indian Government called on the other Dominions to provide trained pilots for service in the Tigris Valley during the Mesopotamia campaign. Scotland was directed to enter the service of the Indian Government as a Flying Officer in the Indian Flying Corps.
The Mesopotamia campaign was afterwards taken over by the British War Office and the Indian Flying Corps then came under the control of the Royal Flying Corps on May 1st, 1915.
The majority of Flight Lieutenant Scotland’s service was in Mesopotamia. For a portion of the time he was on active service at Basrah, where he was testing and fitting up aeroplanes. At first the machines used was the Farman plane, but afterwards a consignment of a later and more up to date machine was received. The machines after being fitted up had to be taken up the river, and this was one of Flight Lieutenant's duties. The machines were then carried to their destinations on steamers.
Scotland is reported to have been taken very ill while taking one of the planes up river.
27th August 1915
RFC Military Wing, London Gazette, Appointments.
Flying Officer – Lieutenant James W. H. Scotland, unattached list, NZ Military Forces.
8th March 1916
“An interesting letter has been received from Mr. J. W. H. Scotland, the New Zealand aviator who was with the fighting forces in Mesopotamia. Mr Scotland states that he found the climate very trying, and got a severe heat stroke. In consequence he had gone to Poona to recuperate. As soon as he recovered sufficiently he would return to Mesopotamia, where there was ample work to do. He mentions that in the fight at Ctesiphon, which had lasted three days, the British had taken 1300 Turk prisoners.”
3rd April 1916
Flight Lieutenant J. W. H. Scotland, of the Royal Flying Corps, arrives in Wellington on six months furlough by the Maitai.
Scotland was actually invalided back to New Zealand with throat trouble. He was due to leave Bombay on February 27th for recuperation in New Zealand. However he had a severe attack of malaria, which made it impossible for him to get out of Mesopotamia.
Scotland’s ill health would keep him in New Zealand for the rest of the war.
James William Humphrys Scotland
25th August 1913
James William Humphrys Scotland is admitted to the Hall Flying School at Hendon and undertakes a course in aviation.
James William Humphrys Scotland was born on 21 September 1891 at Pahi, in the Kaipara district, North Auckland, he was the second son of Henry Scotland M.L.C. and of Mary Ann, née Spriggs. He was educated at King's College, Auckland.
23rd October 1913
James William Humphrys Scotland qualifies for his Aviators Certificate (No. 658) at the Hall Flying School at Hendon, in a Caudron Biplane.
10th January 1914
“Mr James William Humphrys Scotland, who has just returned from six months in the British flying schools, a fully certificated aviator with his own aeroplane. Mr. Scotland is a young New Zealander, son of the late Hon. H. Scotland, M.L.C.
With the exception of Mr. J. J. Hammond, now in Auckland preparing to fly the Britannia monoplane, is probably the only certificated New Zealand airman in the world. Though he has been interested in aviation for several years past, it was when the American monoplane was here, nearly two years ago now, that Mr. Scotland finally resolved to become an aviator. He did not adopt the usual method of building a machine here and learning to fly it by slow degrees, but decided to make straight for the flying schools in Europe, and there master the art of flight. He left New Zealand at the beginning of May last, and on his arrival in England at once took up his quarters in the Hall School, at the famous aerodrome at Hendon. There he assiduously worked in the practical art of aviation, and some months ago gained his airman's brevet with flying colours.
The cost of learning to fly is not small —probably it would take at least £200 to go through the whole course and keep oneself at the same time. Not everybody has the capacity to become an aviator. Coolness and judgment are the chief qualities required in flying. If the aviator keeps cool he can extricate himself out of nearly all the dangers he is likely to meet without serious accident, provided always that the plane itself does not break down or the controls go wrong. Judgment is required to effect a good landing above all things, for landing is still one of the most dangerous parts of aviation.
Mr. Scotlands own machine is a Caudron biplane, equipped with six-cylinder 45 h.p. Anzani motor.
A thoroughly good aeroplane of acknowledged capacity to do the work. It arrived by the Rotorua and has now been landed. Mr. Scotland has not yet made his plans for a flying campaign, but he is out here to fly, and when he has studied the conditions of air currents and landing grounds he will give exhibitions. Where he will make his first flight is not yet settled, but the possibilities of Wellington will certainly not be overlooked.”
Interestingly the NZ Customs tariff set a duty of 20 per cent on British-made aeroplanes and a duty of 30 per cent on foreign built machines, and a duty of 20 per cent on foreign engines. British engines free.
Mr. Scotland, who was looking at £100 duty, appealed to the Defence authorities and the Minister for Customs for a relaxation of the duty. The Minister for Customs after a week’s delay signified that a rebate was to be granted.
20th February 1914
James William Humphrys Scotland makes the first substantial cross-country flight (Invercargill to Gore) in New Zealand.
The following picture is of Scotland flying his Caudron on March 6th, 1914 in Christchurch.
24th March 1914
Scotland crashes his Caudron biplane into trees at Newtown Park after experiencing some of Wellingtons notorious winds shortly after taking off at Athletic Park. The plane was a wreck.
Just out of interest, the six-cylinder 45 h.p. Anzani motor from the crashed biplane is reported to have been brought by some young Maori aviation enthusiasts from the Wanganui District. The engine would reappear at the Palmerston Motor exhibition (November 17), it had been fitted to a homemade biplane of the Dunne V type (Wings thrown back arrow wise). People could for the cost of a shilling, view the aeroplane with its engine running in an A & P shed. Whether the machine could fly is another question.
6th August 1914
A new 60-horse power two passenger Caudron aeroplane is being brought to New Zealand by the, Kaikoura, due at Auckland on August 15, to the order of Mr Scotland, the well known New Zealand aviator, whose machine came to grief at Newton Park a few months ago.
25th August 1914
It is understood that some difficulty has arisen in regard to the offer by Mr. J. W. H. Scotland, the young New Zealand aviator, to place his service and his aeroplane at the disposal of the Expeditionary Force. This he said to be due to the fact that no mention of aeroplanes and airmen was made in the instructions of the Imperial Government's accompanying its acceptance of New Zealand's offer of assistance. In answer to a question, the Hon. J. Allen said that the Britannia aeroplane given by the Standard of Empire, and flown by the late Gustav Hamel from Dover to Cologne and later in New Zealand, round Auckland, by Mr. J. J. Hammond, would not be sent Home with the Expeditionary Force. "They have plenty there," he said, "without us sending any. Besides, it may come in more useful for the protection of New Zealand. Aviators for New Zealand are now being trained in England.
28th September 1914
Mr. Scotland made a flight in his new Caudron biplane at Burnside today, but in descending bumped the earth, seriously damaging the machine. The aviator escaped with a blow over the eye. A fortnight's work will be necessary to put the aeroplane in order again, many portions of the frame requiring to be rebuilt. Interviewed after the accident Mr. Scotland said that he felt that the machine was not answering too well as soon as he got into the air, and he found it difficult to manage her. When he was alighting the elevating planes would not do their work properly, and the machine could not recover from the steep angle of its descent. The first touching of the earth was successfully managed, but a second bump saw the machine tip forward, and before he could do anything the crash was over.
7th October 1914
Mr. J. W. H. Scotland is admitted to Christchurch Hospital for treatment of a throat complaint. Originally thought to be only 2 - 3 weeks length, would after a relapse keep him in hospital for the remainder of the year.
23rd February 1915
J. W. H. Scotland leaves for Sydney en route to England, sailing on the Ulimaroa to join the Flying Corps for service at the front.
In February 1915 the Indian Government called on the other Dominions to provide trained pilots for service in the Tigris Valley during the Mesopotamia campaign. Scotland was directed to enter the service of the Indian Government as a Flying Officer in the Indian Flying Corps.
The Mesopotamia campaign was afterwards taken over by the British War Office and the Indian Flying Corps then came under the control of the Royal Flying Corps on May 1st, 1915.
The majority of Flight Lieutenant Scotland’s service was in Mesopotamia. For a portion of the time he was on active service at Basrah, where he was testing and fitting up aeroplanes. At first the machines used was the Farman plane, but afterwards a consignment of a later and more up to date machine was received. The machines after being fitted up had to be taken up the river, and this was one of Flight Lieutenant's duties. The machines were then carried to their destinations on steamers.
Scotland is reported to have been taken very ill while taking one of the planes up river.
27th August 1915
RFC Military Wing, London Gazette, Appointments.
Flying Officer – Lieutenant James W. H. Scotland, unattached list, NZ Military Forces.
8th March 1916
“An interesting letter has been received from Mr. J. W. H. Scotland, the New Zealand aviator who was with the fighting forces in Mesopotamia. Mr Scotland states that he found the climate very trying, and got a severe heat stroke. In consequence he had gone to Poona to recuperate. As soon as he recovered sufficiently he would return to Mesopotamia, where there was ample work to do. He mentions that in the fight at Ctesiphon, which had lasted three days, the British had taken 1300 Turk prisoners.”
3rd April 1916
Flight Lieutenant J. W. H. Scotland, of the Royal Flying Corps, arrives in Wellington on six months furlough by the Maitai.
Scotland was actually invalided back to New Zealand with throat trouble. He was due to leave Bombay on February 27th for recuperation in New Zealand. However he had a severe attack of malaria, which made it impossible for him to get out of Mesopotamia.
Scotland’s ill health would keep him in New Zealand for the rest of the war.
