Publisher's Synopsis
This book tells the fascinating history behind how and why Aldershot's Military Cemetery,
with its unique design, unusual geographic location, and diverse - flora and fauna, makes
it one of the most unusual military cemeteries in the world. It tells the story of how first
the military at Aldershot and then its neighboring town Farnborough embraced the developing
technologies of aviation, balloons, man lifting kites and airships and how Farnborough became
the birthplace of British aviation.
The book also charts the role played by both towns in the evolution of the Royal Air Force, through
the establishment of its predecessors, the Royal Engineers Air Battalion, and the Royal Flying
Corps. Along with the parallel rise of the Royal Aeronautical Establishment and its forerunners,
H.M. Balloon Factory, e Army Aircraft Factory, e Royal Aircraft Factory and the Royal
Aircraft Establishment.
Set against the backdrop of what was happening in aviation internationally, nationally and locally
at Farnborough in the years that they died 1907-1943. This book tells the little known and untold
stories of fifty-one men who rest within the cemetery and their association and contributions
to the successful rise of the Royal Air Force and Royal Aeronautical Establishment both on the
ground and in the air.
