Page 126 - KBHA Bulletin 10

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were both the destinations and starting points of many of the exploratory flights, and
also of the numerous record-breaking long-distance flights that took place with

increasing frequency. At the same time, small scale commercial aviation was also
starting up and so there was a “buzz” of activity in and around the Peninsula’s various

landing grounds. In a time of few air regulations these included informal strips at

Zandvlei (east and west banks), Noordhoek, Green Point Track and Common,
Esplanades at the Foreshore and Sea Point, Rosebank Agricultural Showgrounds, and

beaches at Muizenberg and Strand. All this activity ensured that aviation remained in
the public eye and, notwithstanding a number of mishaps and disasters, gradually

gained public acceptance.

Winding down the war effort

The Armistice ending hostilities came into effect on 11 November 1918. The RAF was

ordered to rail one bi-plane to Pretoria to assist in dealing with the threatened “native

revolt” in the Transvaal. Lieutenant Gearing and his team left Cape Town by rail on 4
November. After several military and Red Cross flights they returned to Cape Town for

the Military Tournament at the Rosebank Show Grounds which was re-scheduled in
December. The BE 2e was seen performing aerobatics over Cape Town on 14

December. Although reported as an advertising stunt for the show it was a routine test
flight after assembly of the aircraft. Lieutenant Gearing merely used some “poetic

licence” after the test flight to have some personal fun. Copies of a specially printed

newspaper, The Aerial News, and more postcards were dropped on the show grounds on
the 16 December. Sergeant Way, who accompanied Lieutenant Gearing, was praised for

his accurate “bombing.”

Mail cards and Christmas greetings were flown from Mr. Young’s field to the Green
Point Common on 23 and 30 December. On these two occasions the plane did not land

and Sergeant Way attempted to bomb the red post office van parked on the Common.

He missed, but did force the two Post Office officials to take cover.