Not many out of the ordinary incidents occur in quiet country villages like Upchurch but in June 1912 residents experienced a sensational event when a large mysterious aeroplane flying haphazardly and in flames above the village was spotted. The news spread quickly and curious residents rushed from their homes to view the spectacle.
The story, according to the 'East Kent Gazette' dated June 1912, concerned a French pilot named Mr Jules Nardini who was flying a monoplane from Dover to Hendon after completing a successful crossing of the English Channel from France. While passing over Upchurch the plane’s engine developed serious problems and Mr Nardini, without many options, was forced to crash land it in a wheat field at Gore Farm.
Famous aviator Jules Nardini about to take off from Whitfield Airfield
Jules Nardini steeplechasing over crowds and aeroplanes at Hendon on
the Deperdussin monoplane.
After the plane looped down it landed heavily, the petrol tank was damaged and developed a serious leak. Mr Nardini, uninjured but shaken, climbed out to inspect the damage but as he did so a large crowd of Upchurch residents who had been watching the plane swarmed across the wheat field at Gore Farm to get a closer look. In the process of doing this, they trampled down a large area of wheat. In 1912 aircraft were not a common sight flying over the Kent countryside and this one probably had the same effect on the local population as a U.F.O would have today, especially as it had been encircling the village with visible serious problems.
Gore Farm owner Mr Crawford, who was not amused with what had happened, soon appeared on the scene. After inspecting the plane and his damaged wheat field, he invited Mr Nardini into his house to discuss the matter but in the process of doing this, somebody in the crowd dropped a cigarette or match on the ground. Petrol that had leaked from the plane on to the ground immediately ignited and the monoplane instantly went up in flames along with the surrounding wheat. The police were called to a chaotic scene and eventually drove the inquisitive but defiant crowd away while the blaze was tackled.
Eventually, the fire was extinguished and the monoplane survived but badly burnt and Mr Crawford estimated that about £50 worth of damage had been done to his wheat. In the evening he drove Mr Nardini to Chatham railway station from where the Frenchman was able to continue his journey to London. The damaged monoplane was then removed from Gore Farm and temporarily stored in the yard of 'The Key Inn' situated in Key Street.
In the meantime, Upchurch residents were able to gossip about the unexpected incident which appeared in both the national and local press.
David Wood
About David
David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable and detailed historical study of the village.
David's book is available from David at david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + postage and packing.
