H. G. Hawker, airman: his life and work

Chapter 6: CHAPTER I

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

About This Book

The biography traces the life of an early aviator who develops mechanical skill in youth, manages motor fleets, and pursues a passion for flying that leads him from home to England and to the Brooklands scene. It recounts trials and successes in design and flight, early employment and financial struggles, and his refusal to abandon hazardous work despite family responsibilities. Interwoven are personal recollections from his widow, portraying a modest, optimistic, generous character with occasional irritability and lax financial habits, and the technical, social, and emotional contexts of pioneering aviation. The narrative combines chronological chapters, eyewitness anecdotes, and illustrative photographs to convey both career milestones and private temperament.

CHAPTER I

EARLY STRUGGLES

Harry’s Parents—His Sisters and Brothers—Schooldays—Four Schools in Six Years—The Attraction of a Cadet Corps—Motor Work at Twelve Years of Age—The Expert of Fifteen—Managing a Fleet of Cars—First Desire to Fly—The Kindness of Mr. and Mrs. McPhee—Harry Meets Busteed—And Comes to England with Him—Kauper—Seeing London—Quest for Employment—A Job at Sevenpence per Hour—Another at Ninepence-Halfpenny—Thoughts of Returning to Australia—Forty Pounds in the Bank—Kauper Strikes Oil—And Helps Harry—Sigrist—How Harry was Happy on Two Pounds per Week—His First Flight—Reminiscences of Brooklands Days.