Sopwith Tabloid

[stephen p nunn]

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome now has on display a full-size reproduction Sopwith Tabloid.

It is the one that used to be at the RAF Museum at Hendon (built 1976-80) and is a representation of Tabloid 168.

The real 168 was one of the first of two Tabloids to reach the front and took part in a raid on German Zeppelin sheds at Dusseldorf on 8/10/14. It was flown on that occasion by F/L Reginald Leonard George Marix (1889-1966).

The Sopwith Tabloid was first developed as a civil demonstrator and racing biplane and flew for the first time on 27 November 1913 (by Harry Hawker).

It has a two-seater side-by-side configuration, which was unusual for the time. Deflector plates, mounted on the propellor blades, protected them from bullet damage.

A floatplane variant was named the Sopwith Schneider and won the Schneider Trophy in 1914.

It was ordered by both the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service. Four were sent out to France shortly before the outbreak of the First World War and 36 were built for the RNAS and RFC. In total 160 were built, but no original example survives.

Stow Maries is an excellent visit for anyone interested in GW aviation and the Tabloid is a really special addition.

I was privileged to be shown it on Saturday.

Regards.

Stephen (Maldon).

[stephen p nunn]

[pete-c]

Built by Don Cashmore in the early 1970s as an airworthy replica (powered by a Continental engine).  I gather this machine was 'gifted/transferred' by the RAFM.

Although it's great to see it on public display again, it's a shame the FAAM weren't quicker off the mark.  Could have been featured as part of a great display.