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Classic Travel Books |
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The Classic “John Murray” Travel Collection
Website designed by Basha O'Reilly
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Alan Cobham began his working life with a firm of clothing wholesalers in the City, but he joining the Army's Veterinary Corps at the outbreak of the First World War, after which he joined the British Aerial Transport Company. Then in January 1921 Geoffrey de Havilland engaged Cobham as the first pilot for his newly formed de Havilland Aeroplane Hire Service. This air taxi and charter flying included long distance journeys throughout Europe and the Middle East In 1926 Cobham flew from Rochester to London, by way of Australia, landing on the River Thames in front of the Houses of Parliament before an estimated one million people thronging the bridges and embankments! He was knighted immediately following his return to England and became an international celebrity, in great demand for public appearances throughout Britain and the United States. 'It's a full time job being Alan Cobham!' the man himself once remarked. Possessed of enormous energy and enthusiasm for whatever life had to offer, he indulged his love of horse riding and sailing whenever possible and paid meticulous attention to the planning and maintenance of his large and beautiful gardens. After a spell of well earned retirement in the British Virgin Islands, he returned to England and died on 21 October 1973.
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