At the end of World War One, Britain found itself with several giant surplus naval rigid airships that were under construction and nearing completion. In the post-war period of economic restraint, competing forces tried to advocate for private commercial use of these airships or eliminate them entirely in the interest of economy. His Majesty’s Airship R36 became the focus
of this process, with William Beardmore & Company of Glasgow prepared to convert this airship from a naval reconnaissance vehicle into a long-distance passenger carrier for a rather
reluctant Air Ministry.
This book provides the first truly detailed technical analysis of the design, construction, and flight operations of R36, which was Britain’s first commercial airship (registered G-FAAF).
O’Grady refutes myths concerning the nature of this airship’s structural, technical, and operational issues. He also exposes how unsubstantiated rumour led to highly inaccurate
accounts of two accidents that were sustained by this airship. In particular, his book thoroughly demonstrates how gossip, misquotes and assumption have resulted in a most unwarranted
character assassination of the Senior Officer who served on board R36, Major George Herbert Scott. Given that he was never able to defend himself, owing to his having passed away in the
tragic loss of R101, this work aims to refute such claims which were made many decades after his passing, enabled by incomplete research by some, and a desire for sensationalism by others.
About the Author
KENT O’GRADY has had a passion for airship history since the age of 10. Having read a book about the Hindenburg in 1975, he became hooked on the subject. His first hot-air balloon flight
occurred at the age of 12. By this time, he had read all the books held at his local library dealing with the great airships, such as the Graf Zeppelin, R100 and R101. In the years before the
internet, the relative lack of information led him to write to authors of books on the subject to learn more. This resulted in a friendship with Lord Ventry, whose airship experiences dated back to 1912. Ventry was a staunch proponent of the airship for use in modern transportation roles. Sharing his airship building and flight experiences with O’Grady intensified the latter’s interest further. To facilitate research, Kent studied French and German, whilst writing research articles and book reviews which have been published in Aerostation, The Buoyant Flight Bulletin, Dirigible, and Noon Balloon. Kent eventually secured his BA in History at Athabasca University, graduating with Great Distinction. He travelled through Europe visiting various meccas of the airship enthusiast such as Cardington and Friedrichshafen. In the early 1990’s, one delightful moment was when Kent was privileged to be the first to sign the Guest Book of the Friends of Cardington Airship Station, now the Airship Heritage Trust, with his late friend Den Burchmore.
Kent’s background includes 20-years as a passenger service agent with Air Canada and 14 years with the Corps of Commissionaires. He attained the rank of Shodan in Shotokan Karate and is a passionate advocate for the protection of mal-treated black bear species around the world. Currently a semi-retired caregiver, Kent enjoys the wildlife and peacefulness of the
Saskatchewan prairie with his widowed mother.