Gustav’s breathtaking stunts
THOUSANDS TURNED OUT TO WATCH THIS EARLY WEARSIDE AVIATOR AS HE PERFORMED AMAZING AEROBATICS
All eyes will be looking skywards when the Sunderland International Airshow returns. But how many of you knew that the first ever spectacle in the skies appeared above Sunderland 106 years ago? Norman Kirtlan, from Sunderland Antiquarian Society, told us more.
It was in July 1912, when aeroplanes and aviators were both in their infancy, that Gustav Wilhelm Hamel made an announcement. He told the world that on July 27, he would be giving a show. He would be taking off from Boldon Racecourse and performing breath-taking feats above Sunderland and South Shields. For the best views of his more daring exploits it was recommended that spectators take up their places near the Fulwell Mill. As it happened, the day was anything but a success and, as folk down at Seaburn know only too well, even in the height of summer, high winds and low cloud can ruin even the best-planned airshows. However, on July 31, 1912, it was a much better day. And Gustav, promising to give the people of Sunderland “an extra good show,” took off as planned to rapturous applause from the crowds who had gathered to witness the spectacle. More than 4,000 people packed in to the racecourse and despite a wind that was far from ideal, they watched in awe as the young airman flew his Bleriot Monoplane around the skies above Shields, before zooming off at all of 60mph towards Sunderland. It was then that hundreds of folks at Fulwell Mill saw the most spectacular display, culminating in Hamel climbing to 1,300 feet and turning off his engine. Much to the horror of those below, he made a steep dive down to earth at an angle of 75 degrees, causing spectators to scatter in all directions. They thought the plane was out of control. At 100ft however, Hamel pulled out of the dive and circled the Mill, waving to his audience and shooting off to do a few circuits of Penshaw Monument. Hamel put on a number of other shows that day, before finally landing and being besieged by autographhunters. He was presented with a silver cigarette case by Sunderland’s Mayor, Coun Brown, to which the aviator politely replied, “That’s awfully nice of you. Thank you very much.”