Francis Annesley, 6th Earl of Annesley (February 25, 1884 - November 6, 1914) was a pioneer aviator who died in a plane crash at sea.[1]
He was the only son of Hugh Annesley, 5th Earl Annesley and his first wife, Mabel Markham. He was born on February 25, 1884 at Castlewellan, Kilmegan, County Down, Ireland. On February 14, 1909 he married Evelyn Hester Mundy.[1] They had no children.
He was a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. Later he joined the Royal Flying Corps.
Between 1884 and 1908 he was styled as Viscount Glerawly. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. He succeeded as Earl on December 15, 1908.
Before obtaining his age of majority he sailed from Liverpool to Vancouver, around Cape Horn, serving as a sailor before the mast. Later he crossed the Atlantic on board a three-masted schooner yacht Karina as one of the guests of Robert E. Todd of the New York Yacht club.
Prior to joining the Royal Flying Corps he distinguished himself with his armed motorcar in helping to check the advance of the Germans upon Brussels and Antwerp. At the time of his death his annual income was estimated at $200,000 per year.
He was last seen alive on November 6, 1914 leaving England in his plane bound for France. He was never seen again.[1]
He was succeeded by Walter Beresford Annesley, 7th Earl Annesley (1861–1934).[1]