In 1912 Cdr. Samson made the first flight from a moving ship in a Shorts S.38. The S.38 was fitted with air-bags so that it could alight on the water, if necessary.
Cdr. C.R. Samson flew a Short biplane from a platform on HMS Africa in 1912
The Admiralty erected a runway on HMS Hibernia in 1912 and Cdr. Samson made the first flight from a moving vessel while steaming at 10.5 knots.
Cdr. Samson on HMS Hibernia in 1912
The S.27 was fitted with air-bags so it could land on water, if necessary. Samson landed ashore at Lodmoor.
Frank McClean caused a sensation on 10 August 1912 by flying his Short biplane through the Tower Bridge, and then hopping and taxying under the remaining bridges to Westminster, where he alighted. Reprimanded by the Police, he promised not to leave the water again until he had taxied down-river, past Tower Bridge. When he attempted to take off, he crashed.
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