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British airship Beta at Firminy, France, WW1
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British airship Beta at Firminy, France, WW1
The British airship Beta (HMA No. 17) on the landing ground at Firminy near Dunkirk, northern France, during the First World War. She had a 45-50 Clerget engine, a speed of 35 mph and a crew of three, and could reach an altitude of 4000 feet. The ship took part in air reconnaissance over enemy lines, and in escorting ships across the Channel. She then returned to the UK for training -- all early airship pilots, both naval and military, did their preliminary training in her. Date: circa December 1914
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Air Field Air Ship Beta Dunkirk Landing Reconnaissance Clerget December War Time Ww 1
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the British airship Beta (HMA No. 17) gracefully resting on the landing ground at Firminy near Dunkirk, northern France, during the early days of the First World War. The Beta was a pioneering aircraft of its time, equipped with a 45-50 Clerget engine that enabled it to reach a speed of 35 mph and an impressive altitude of 4000 feet. With a crew of just three, this airship played a crucial role in the war effort, conducting air reconnaissance over enemy lines and escorting ships across the treacherous waters of the English Channel. The Beta's service in France was not limited to combat missions alone. After her active duty, she returned to the UK for training purposes, where she became an essential asset for the development of early airship pilots, both naval and military. This photograph, taken circa December 1914, provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of aviation during the Great War. The rugged terrain of the airfield at Firminy, with its distinctive mounds and shadows, adds to the sense of adventure and discovery that characterized the early days of flight. This image is an invaluable historical record, reminding us of the groundbreaking achievements of the past and the enduring allure of human innovation and exploration.
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