Aviation News — September 2017

D

uring the years prior to World

War One, there were many

developments in aeronautical

activity along England’s south

coast. A seaplane station was constructed

at Calshot, Hampshire, S E Saunders and

J Samuel White both built aeroplanes,

and Noel Pemberton-Billing began work

on marine aviation. At Middleton-on-

Sea, near Bognor Regis, the White and

Thompson Company was establishing

itself.

THE AIRCRAFT OF

NORMAN

THOMPSON

Although little known

today, the aeroplanes

built by Norman

Thompson’s company

made an important

contribution to Britain’s

maritime aviation and

military fl ying history.

Pete London explains.

78 Aviation News incorporating Jets September 2017

Above: Dainty Norman Thompson N.T.2B N2575

off Calshot revealing its faired kingposts, as

used on some earlier company designs.

The Norman Thompson No.1 Biplane seen

in January 1913, with Norman Thompson

standing beside it. All photos via Pete London

78-82_thompsonDCMFDC.mf.indd 78 04/08/2017 14:49