Was there ever a London to Paris air race??

[Pips]

'Those Magnificient Men' notwithstanding, was there ever an air race between London and Paris?

The closest thing I can find is the 'Circuit Of Europe' race of 1911.

 

[stiz]

i think there was a london-paris-london in early 1914 before the war broke out, not sure though

 

[Lionheart]

I loved that movie. The Demoiselle was my fave.



Bill

 

[srgalahad]

There have been several that I can find references for:

2000-2001
"London to Paris Air Race
The Records, Racing and Rally Association is planning a London to Paris Air Race next July (22-25). The route planned will be via Cap Griz Nez to Abbeville, where a race will be organised in the afternoon. Contestants will then fly via Pointoise to Le Bourget, where there will be a mayoral reception in the town hall. Mayor Ken Livingstone has been invited to present a London Cup. Secretary Ian Burnstock said: 'The race is a challenge to an interesting destination and something which we hope will catch the imagination of the aviation world, as well as the general public, and help to promote the cause of air racing.'" http://www.royalaeroclub.org/nl00x.htm

1982 -
"He was the first microlight pilot to land in the centre of Paris in the first London to Paris air race in 1982 and the first person to fly a microlight over London Tower Bridge in 1984." http://www.gerrybreen.com/Personnel/Gerry/Index.htm

1959-
<cite class="section">"HC Deb 23 July 1959 vol 609 cc149-50W</cite> http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1959/jul/23/daily-mail-air-race#column_149w 84. <cite class="member author entry-title unmatched-member">Mr. Ernest</cite> Davies asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken by the Metropolitan Police during the London to Paris air race to ensure that the speed limits on roads used by contestants were observed by them; how many were warned or summoned for exceeding these speed limits; how many accidents were reported which directly or indirectly could be attributed to them during the race or prior to it during practice runs; and how many casualties resulted therefrom." http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1959/jul/23/daily-mail-air-race http://www.bigginhill.co.uk/rafstation.htm



1910-

Harry Hawker: The Boy who wanted to Fly
"In 1910 an aviation event which stirred the air-minded people of the whole world – caused a restlessness amongst the keenest of the keen that was hard to overcome. It was the London to Paris air race. In London the great pioneers of world aviation, first known as aeronauts and later as aviators, assembled to prepare for the first massed attempt at crossing the English Channel by heavier than air machines. England became the centre of attraction of thousands of would-be British flyers, including many Australians, who realised the hopelessness of waiting for the new mode of adventure to reach their own shore." http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/188.htm

 

[Pips]

The Demoiselle was my fave.
Bill

Mine too Bill. I fly it in FSX. It's the Classicwings FS9 model. A few transparency probs with the wings, but I can live with it!

 

[Pips]

My fault, I should have specified pre Great War period.

"In 1910 an aviation event which stirred the air-minded people of the whole world – caused a restlessness amongst the keenest of the keen that was hard to overcome. It was the London to Paris air race. In London the great pioneers of world aviation, first known as aeronauts and later as aviators, assembled to prepare for the first massed attempt at crossing the English Channel by heavier than air machines. England became the centre of attraction of thousands of would-be British flyers, including many Australians, who realised the hopelessness of waiting for the new mode of adventure to reach their own shore." http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/188.htm

That's very interesting. The only air race reference for 1910 that I have come across to date is the Manchester to London race, for which the Daily Mail put up ₤10,000 prize money. Anfd that race was supposedly the gem of an idea for 'Those Magnificent Men' movie.