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Lt Col Orde Lees diving head first from Tower Bridge to ?
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Lt Col Orde Lees diving head first from Tower Bridge to ?
Lt Col Orde Lees diving head first from Tower Bridge to demonstrate a Guardian Angel parachute, 11 November 1917
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Media ID 13094762
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
Angel Demonstrate Diving Guardian Lees Orde Parachute Aeronautics
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, Lt Col Orde Lees takes a daring leap of faith from the iconic Tower Bridge in London, demonstrating the effectiveness of the innovative Guardian Angel parachute on 11 November 1917. The bridge, an engineering marvel of the time, serves as a striking backdrop to this groundbreaking aviation milestone. The First World War was in its final stages, and the importance of air superiority was becoming increasingly evident. The Guardian Angel parachute, a British invention, was designed to save the lives of pilots who had to bail out of their damaged or failing aircraft. This demonstration, organized by the British Army, aimed to showcase the parachute's ability to safely deploy and save the life of its user. Lt Col Orde Lees, a brave and experienced military officer, volunteered to perform the demonstration. Wearing a full flying suit and goggles, he takes a deep breath and plunges headfirst from the bridge's high platform, trusting the Guardian Angel parachute to open and support him. The photograph captures the exact moment of his descent, with the Tower Bridge and the River Thames below providing a breathtaking contrast to the scene. The successful deployment of the parachute not only saved Lt Col Orde Lees' life but also boosted the morale of the British public and military personnel. This event marked a significant step forward in the development of parachute technology and its integration into military aviation. The photograph remains a testament to the courage and innovation of those who dared to push the boundaries of human flight during a time of war.
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