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Airplane vs. Battleship
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This photograph from the album of aviation pioneer Jesse Brabazon is described by him as the "first simulated bombing in history, using an aeroplane versus a warship." The print was presented to Brabazon by Lincoln Beachey. In the photograph it is Beachey who is dropping smoke bombs from his Curtiss pusher on to the Gorgonzola, a captured Spanish-American War battleship. In the background is the yacht Lyndonia. Brabazon recalled that the source of Beachey's unsuccessful attempt to draw attention to the strategic potential of airplanes was a game of catch at Cicero Field between a pilot in an airplane and a man on the ground. This event predated the sinking of the Ostfriesland by several years.
1913
Publication Information
| Date Created | 1913 |
|---|
Physical Description
| Format | Image |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22 x 20 cm |
Collection Information
| Source Collection | Subject albums, 1753?-1990? (bulk circa 1850s-circa 1950s) |
|---|---|
| Call Number | Album 24.40 |
Copyright Information
| Copyright Status | NO COPYRIGHT - UNITED STATES |
|---|---|
| Rights Holder | Wisconsin Historical Society |
W013IJU
WHi 10497
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