This month marks 110 years since Denys Corbett Wilson became the first person to fly a plane from Britain to Ireland. The pioneer took off from the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire before landing in Ireland's County Wexford 100 minutes later.

Full of passion

Born in 1882, Corbett Wilson was from a wealthy family who used his father's money to explore different forms of transport. He became a familiar face in several scenes across the United Kingdom.

Derek Webb, writer of 100 Minutes, a play about Corbett Wilson’s aeronautical feat, shared the following in a BBC interview.

"There was definitely a brash, egotistical and thrill-seeking side to Denys - he was very much the Jeremy Clarkson of his day. But aside from the race horses, cars, speed boats and women, there was a deeper motivation. In common with so many rich young Edwardians, Denys had a fascination with new technologies, and a passion to push back the frontiers of human capability. There was also a strong sense that he wanted to make these achievements for Britain. You can see his patriotism in the way in which he signed up for the Royal Flying Corps, even though he wouldn't have been conscripted, as he was too old and had been injured in the Boer War.”

Heading west

Corbett Wilson purchased a Bleriot XI monoplane to conduct the groundbreaking flight across the Irish Sea. There was an attempt two years earlier by actor Robert Loraine, but he landed approximately 200 meters off the Irish coast.

Thus, just a week after the Titanic sank in the ocean, Corbett Wilson took off to grab the headlines for his journey in the air. He departed Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, at 06:47 and landed at Enniscorthy, County Wexford, 1 hour and 40 minutes later.

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Corbett Wilson spotted a field but crash-landed in a hedge. Photo: Corbett Wilson archive via Wikimedia Commons

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Battling hurdles

The race to Ireland was against fellow aviator Damer Leslie Allen, which had begun at Hendon Aerodrome in London, England, on April 17th. Allen chose to fly to Dublin via Chester and Holyhead but crashed into the sea. His body was never found.

Corbett Wilson managed to overcome notable challenges. In the first instance, during his southern route, engine issues meant that he had to land in Herefordshire. Yet, he didn't wait for his mechanic, who was traveling by train. Instead, he lubricated his aircraft with castor oil from a pharmacy and refueled with petrol from local agricultural equipment before flying off. However, he had to land once again, this time in Goodwick, to wait for a professional to take care of the ongoing engine problems.

There was also a heavy storm around 30 kilometers from the Wexford coast. Corbett Wilson flew into the storm, and his compass stopped working, forcing him to fly blindly for 30 minutes before descending.

Serving the country

Following the outbreak of World War I, Corbett Wilson was posted to the Royal Flying Corps' 3rd Squadron. He was on a reconnaissance mission with his observer in a Morane Parasol on May 10th, 1915. However, the aircraft was hit by an enemy attack.

Corbett Wilson died instantly alongside his crew member. The shelling occurred in the vicinity of Fournes-en-Weppes, France, and he was buried at the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in Souchez.

Corbett Wilson’s achievements will be forever embedded in history. From his pioneering Britain to Ireland flight to his service in WWII, he is well decorated in the history of aviation.

What are your thoughts about Denys Corbett Wilson’s achievements? What do you make of his flight experiences before his passing? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

Source: BBC

Featured Image showing Bleriot XI for representational purposes only.