Although little known today, the aeroplanes built by Norman Thompson’s company made an important contribution to Britain’s maritime aviation and military flying history. Pete London explains.
During the years prior to World War One, there were many developments in aeronautical activity along England’s south coast. A seaplane station was constructed at Calshot, Hampshire, S E Saunders and J Samuel White both built aeroplanes, and Noel Pemberton-Billing began work on marine aviation. At Middleton-on- Sea, near Bognor Regis, the White and Thompson Company was establishing itself.
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