Publisher's Synopsis
2003 marked the centenary of flight in South Africa and John Illsley has compiled a pictorial history of early flight in this country, from its humble beginnings to the aeroplanes that were used at the beginning of World War I. Each chapter has an introductory article, to set the scene for its subject, and the rest of the chapter is made up of pictures with comprehensive explanatory captions. Among of the topics featured are: First flights on man-made wings; Siege balloons in two colonial wars; Balloons on imperial service; Box kites; The first aeroplanes; South Africa's first true aviator; The brief genesis of South African military aviation; South Africans on the Western Front; First to the Cape and back; An airline for the Union; Aviatrixes; War planes; Air shows; Air races; Aviation history in envelopes and stamps.
