Summary

Part of a commemorative photograph album produced by Sears' Studios, Melbourne, documenting the work of Basil Watson in constructing a biplane at his family's home 'Foilacleugh' in Elsternwick, Victoria, during 1916, and the aftermath of his fatal crash off Point Cook on 28th March 1917. The biplane was based on the design of the Sopwith Pup, which Watson was familiar with from his time working as an engineer and test pilot with the Sopwith Aviation Co. and Imperial Army in Britain, during 1914-1916. Watson piloted the plane on pioneering flights to Bendigo and western Victoria. He performed many public acrobatic flying demonstrations and flew the first official airmail between Mt Gambier and Melbourne in February 1917. He was killed when a component of his aircraft failed during an aerobatic demonstration over Point Cook, Victoria, on 28th March 1917, causing the wings to collapse, plunging the aircraft into Port Phillip Bay. His death was the earliest recorded aviation fatality in Australia. His death deeply affected the Watson family, who continued to publish tribute notices in Melbourne's daily newspapers on each anniversary for over a decade.

Description of Content

Partially completed wing of the biplane built by Basil Watson, resting against an internal wall and stain-glass windows in the hallway/lounge of the Watson family home 'Foilacleugh' in Elsternwick, Victoria. The construction of the wing shows ribs similar to the component (ST 011947) held by Musuem Victoria. In the background looking through a doorway into the billiard room can be seen the rear section of the fuselage frame (ST 014905) held by Musuem Victoria and the completed tail plane and rudder. Other components such as the circular metal engine cowling can be seen on the floor.

Physical Description

Horizontal landscape format rectangular gelatin silver emulsion photographic print, glued to a rectangular landscape format brown cardridge paper page, without caption.

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