YP Comment: Legacy of daredevil Leeds aviator
TRAGICALLY killed on this day a century ago when his biplane fell from the sky and crash landed in Leeds, daredevil test pilot Rowland Ding, 31, was a pioneering aviator whose place in history deserves to be remembered.
A local celebrity because of his work at Blackburn’s aircraft factory at a time when flying was still in its infancy, today’s tribute is a poignant reminder of the human risks that characterised the early days of aviation. Without such sacrifices, and the lessons learned from each and every tragedy, the RAF would not have been in a position to win the Battle of Britain. And international air transport would not be the safe conveyance that it is today.