Rights Managed > Historic England > Landscapes > Aerial Views
Spirit of St Louis EPW018121
Filename: afl03_aerofilms_c10959.jpg
Size: 4998 x 3774 (7.5MB)
Date: 29th May 1927
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive Aerofilms C
Source: English Heritage Images
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Spirit of St Louis EPW018121
Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St Louis coming in to land at Croydon Aerodrome, 29th May 1927 having flown in from Brussels. Lindbergh had made his record-breaking single-handed flight across the Atlantic only nine days before. After landing he made an additional five minute demonstration flight circling the aerodrome. According to Lindberghs flight log: " Took off before end of landing roll to avoid injuring crowd, which broke through police lines. Stabilizer damaged by pressure of crowd. Repaired at Croydon". This aerial photograph is well positioned to show the crowds watching his descent. From Croydon Lindbergh flew to Gosport where the Spirit of St Louis was disassembled and packed aboard a US cruiser for its trip home to the United States. From a copy negative. Aerofilms Collection (see Links)
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Media ID 1505711
© Historic England
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment when Charles Lindbergh and his iconic aircraft, the Spirit of St Louis, descended upon Croydon Aerodrome on May 29th, 1927. Just nine days prior to this awe-inspiring landing, Lindbergh had achieved a groundbreaking feat by completing a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. As Lindbergh gracefully maneuvered his plane towards the aerodrome, an enthusiastic crowd eagerly awaited his arrival. The aerial perspective of this photograph perfectly showcases the sheer magnitude of spectators who gathered to witness this extraordinary event. However, amidst their excitement and anticipation, some individuals broke through police lines in an attempt to get closer to Lindbergh's aircraft. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm resulted in damage to the stabilizer of the Spirit of St Louis. Nevertheless, undeterred by these unforeseen circumstances and determined not to harm anyone in attendance, Lindbergh swiftly took off before reaching the end of his landing roll. Afterward, he embarked on a brief five-minute demonstration flight around Croydon Aerodrome. Following this memorable stop at Croydon Aerodrome, Lindbergh continued his journey by flying to Gosport where he carefully disassembled and packed the Spirit of St Louis aboard a US cruiser for its voyage back home to America. Preserved within this remarkable copy negative from Historic England's Aerofilms Collection is not just an image capturing an aviation triumph but also a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance that continues to inspire
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