Post by Dave Homewood on May 4, 2021 18:53:29 GMT 12
I have to admit I'd never heard before I just discovered this obituary in the WAIKATO TIMES, dated 16 JANUARY 1941, the Lord Wakefield was known as The Father of Aviation.
VISCOUNT’S DEATH
“FATHER OF AVIATION”
LORD WAKEFIELD’S CAREER
MANY GIFTS TO CHARITIES
(United press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; LONDON, Jan. 15
The death has occurred of Viscount Wakefield, aged 81, oil magnate and generous patron of motor-car, speedboat and aeroplane record enterprises. He was known as the “father of aviation.” Lord Wakefield was born at Liverpool in 1859, and was educated at the Liverpool Institute. Obtaining a position in an oil firm, he soon went to London, where he eventually started a business of his own. It flourished and had depots all over the world.
After being a Sheriff of the City of London in 1907 he was knighted. In 1915 he became Lord Mayor, and two years later received a baronetcy. Always a liberal patron of hospitals and other charities, Lord Wakefield appeared never to have forgotten advice he received when visiting Samoa from R. L. Stevenson: “Fill your life with sunlight and laughter, and radiate happiness.”
He gave £50,000 to aid the Tower Hill Improvements Scheme, and £25,000 to the Imperial Institute.
British Air Prestige
Created a viscount in 1934, Lord Wakefield was given the freedom of the City of London in 1935—the first time a member of the corporation had been so honoured by his colleagues. Lord Wakefield was associated with nearly every important event in flying from 1909, and was said to have given over £5,000,000 in contributions to assist British air prestige.
Among the many flights he supported were those of Cobham to Australia and back in 1926 and round Africa, those of Amy Johnson and Mollison, and the new record made by C. W. A. Scott in May and June, 1931.
For motor-car and motor-boat racing he also provided aid, financing among others the achievements of Sir Henry Segrave. Sir Malcolm Campbell and Kaye Don.
VISCOUNT’S DEATH
“FATHER OF AVIATION”
LORD WAKEFIELD’S CAREER
MANY GIFTS TO CHARITIES
(United press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; LONDON, Jan. 15
The death has occurred of Viscount Wakefield, aged 81, oil magnate and generous patron of motor-car, speedboat and aeroplane record enterprises. He was known as the “father of aviation.” Lord Wakefield was born at Liverpool in 1859, and was educated at the Liverpool Institute. Obtaining a position in an oil firm, he soon went to London, where he eventually started a business of his own. It flourished and had depots all over the world.
After being a Sheriff of the City of London in 1907 he was knighted. In 1915 he became Lord Mayor, and two years later received a baronetcy. Always a liberal patron of hospitals and other charities, Lord Wakefield appeared never to have forgotten advice he received when visiting Samoa from R. L. Stevenson: “Fill your life with sunlight and laughter, and radiate happiness.”
He gave £50,000 to aid the Tower Hill Improvements Scheme, and £25,000 to the Imperial Institute.
British Air Prestige
Created a viscount in 1934, Lord Wakefield was given the freedom of the City of London in 1935—the first time a member of the corporation had been so honoured by his colleagues. Lord Wakefield was associated with nearly every important event in flying from 1909, and was said to have given over £5,000,000 in contributions to assist British air prestige.
Among the many flights he supported were those of Cobham to Australia and back in 1926 and round Africa, those of Amy Johnson and Mollison, and the new record made by C. W. A. Scott in May and June, 1931.
For motor-car and motor-boat racing he also provided aid, financing among others the achievements of Sir Henry Segrave. Sir Malcolm Campbell and Kaye Don.