Fly-past marks aviation history

A flight in May 1909 at Leysdown on Sheppey (picture from Flying Start Project)

The first factory for aircraft production was established on Sheppey in 1909

A ceremony and fly-past on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent has marked 100 years of aviation in the Royal Navy.

The event was being marked at Eastchurch, where the first four Royal Navy pilots learned to fly in 1911.

Commander Sue Eagles said: "The historical importance of Eastchurch in the early development of Naval aviation is immense."

The fly-past included Harrier GR7 and GR9 jets, Hawk and Falcon aircraft, and a historic Sea Vixen.

Ms Eagles said: "Not only were the first four Naval pilots trained at Eastchurch, but the first Naval aircraft were also built there.

"Sheppey was the cradle of aviation in this country.

"The budding Naval aviators found themselves immersed in the wealth of pioneering aeronautical technology and endeavour being built up there."

Warfare 'transformed'

The first factory in the world for the production of aircraft was established by the Short Brothers at Shellbeach on Sheppey in 1909, and production moved to Eastchurch a year later.

The first take-off from a ship was carried out in May 1912.

A service at the Pioneer Memorial in Eastchurch on Friday was attended by current and former serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, veterans, guests, and residents.

Guest of honour was Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo KCB, Vice Chief of Naval Staff between 1975 and 1978, who took the salute with Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff Aviation and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, as the fly-past passed overhead.