Further Training and Learning about the Zeppelin

The group met again at Bexleyheath library. The focus was on the Zeppelin airship which dominated the skyline during the early years of the Great War.

Peter spoke about these airships and showed
 an interesting documentary to the
group about them.




 From this the children, in groups, came up with some questions to ask the Professor who they would soon be interviewing. The questions each group had thought of were heard and then a list of ones which would be used were compiled.

Peter also spoke about the early life of Wilfred Salmon in Australia, giving further background information to his story.

Interview techniques were learnt and practiced to prepare for the interview with Giles Camplin. This also helped the children to prepare for their interview later on in the week with historian Ian Castle.

Questions and interviewers prepared, Giles Camplin arrived and was interviewed about the threat of the Zeppelin to London.

Trip to Stow Maries World War One Aerodrome

The following day the CRAY group visited Stow Maries aerodrome. The aerodrome was in use during World War One and would've been similar to the one situated at Joyce Green where Wilfred Salmon trained and fought the German Gotha bombers. When we arrived the group were taken around the museum by a guide who explained the role of the aerodrome and elements of being a fighter pilot in WW1.
The tour included a section on the Poplar school bombing which was likely to have later been a motive for Salmon's pursuit of the German bombers. The bombing took place on June 13th and resulted in the deaths of 18 children. It was written by Mr C. E. W Bean, Australian official war correspondent, that Salmon had "begged his squadron commander to allow him to go up, but permission had been refused" after his witnessing of a large group of German planes flying overhead for London.

Interviewing Wilfred Salmon in aeroplane hangar

After looking around the museum and grounds, the children split into their filming groups. One went with Matt to film actor Will Ewart as Salmon in an aeroplane hangar. The other group went with Sav and  interviewed members of staff working at Stow Maries. They spoke to a variety of staff members, some volunteers and others who worked as Reenactors, providing an insight to the life of people during times past.

Group prepares to interview education 

officer Vernon Creek about aces James

McCudden and Mick Mannock

Once filming was completed, the group had lunch and had the opportunity to watch an air show. A variety of different planes were flown and we even got to see a Sopwith Camel as was flown by Salmon! 

'Wilfred' with the Sopwith Camel

Throughout the day the children (and adults) had the opportunity to try the WW1 aeroplane virtual reality experience. It was an exciting experience and gave all the chance to see what it would be like to fly and engage in a fight with enemy planes. 

Meeting the Reenactors