Every morning as I leave to do my research I have been greeted by this bust of Barnes Wallis and this painting so I thought I would share a quick photo.
As blog readers know I have been in the UK for the past few weeks doing research about the RAF, but I have not been able to resist doing some airship research on the side, especially looking for British information and views on the German commercial zeppelin program. I found some interesting items that I will post as time allows, including a 1930 memo discussing German views on helium versus hydrogen; diplomatic correspondence about passenger use of cameras aboard Hindenburg; reports of technical visits by British airshipmen to Friedrichshafen; government memoranda regarding zeppelin overflights; and similar items.
I haven’t seen any evidence to the effect that Barnes Wallis, or Nevile Shute Norway, had any formal talks with their German counterparts. Wallis’s geodesic method of light alloy construction was unique, as far as I am aware.
Actually, Sir Barnes Wallis is a ‘local’ hero, where I am from. Back when I was a lad, I used to carry my fishing gear past a modest home at the top of Butterley Hill, Ripley (on my way to fish Butterley Reservoir). I could just make out a small blue plaque on the house, which proclaimed it to be the birthplace of Wallis. It has since been replaced by a much grander ‘Red Wheel’ plaque – sponsored by the Transport Trust – which reads,
‘‘Sir Barnes N. Wallis, 1887 – 1979, aeronautical engineer and inventor, designer of airships, aeroplanes, the ‘Bouncing Bomb’, and swing-wing aircraft was born here.’’
It is also worth mentioning that the famous 617 Squadron used the Derwent Valley dams in the Derbyshire Peak District to simulate delivery of the ‘Upkeep’ weapon (technically a mine, not a ‘bouncing bomb’).
Hi Dan
I was interested to read that on your recent UK research tour you came across ‘reports of technical visits by British airshipmen to Friedrichshafen’.
I’m very interested in finding out if British airship designers every met with their German and US counterparts. So did Wallis, Shute or Roxbee-Cox ever meet Eckener, Durr or Lehmann; did those Brits ever meet with Rosendahl, Geiger or Moffat. Was there any sharing of ideas or experience between the various parties. etc. etc.
Hoping you might be able to shed light on this one, and thanks in hope.
I have fond memories of the RAF Club. My dad was a Lancaster pilot in WW2 and used to stay there when visiting from Bermuda (where he became a GP ofter teh war).
With best wishes.
Mike O’Neill