Edwin Harris Dunning

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Sqn Cdr E. H. Dunning landing on HMS Furious in his Sopwith Pup.
Sqn Cdr E. H. Dunning landing on HMS Furious in his Sopwith Pup.

Squadron Commander Edwin Harris Dunning, DSC (17 July 1892 - 7 August 1917), of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy, was the first pilot to land an aircraft on a moving ship.

The second son of Sir Edwin Harris Dunning of Jacques Hall, Bradfield, Essex, he was educated at Royal Naval Colleges at Osborne and Dartmouth. [1]

Dunning landed his Sopwith Pup on HMS Furious in Scapa Flow, Orkney on 2 August 1917. He was killed five days later, during his second landing attempt of the day, when a tire burst, throwing his plane overboard. Knocked unconscious, he drowned in the cockpit.[2]

He is buried at St Lawrence's Church, Bradfield, beside his mother.

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.crossandcockade.com/files/DSC%20and%20DSM%20Awards%20to%20RNAS.xls
  2. ^ The First World War: A Complete History By Sir Martin Gilbert[1]
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