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Lt Col Orde Lees about to hit the water after diving hea?
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Lt Col Orde Lees about to hit the water after diving hea?
Lt Col Orde Lees about to hit the water after diving head first from Tower Bridge to demonstrate a Guardian Angel parachute, 11 November 1917
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Media ID 13094768
© 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 prepares for an exhilarating dive from London's iconic Tower Bridge, poised to plunge headfirst into the Thames below. The date is 11 November 1917, and Orde Lees is not only making a daring stunt but also demonstrating the effectiveness of a revolutionary invention: the Guardian Angel parachute. The backdrop of this thrilling scene is the bustling city of London, with its towering buildings and the iconic Tower Bridge in the foreground. The Tower Bridge, a symbol of London's rich history and engineering prowess, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this daring demonstration. Orde Lees, a respected military officer, is dressed in his full uniform, complete with a helmet and goggles, as he readies himself for the leap. The planes, planes, and aeroplanes in the background, along with the distinctive silhouette of a transport plane, serve as a reminder of the era's burgeoning aviation industry. The Guardian Angel parachute, which Orde Lees is about to test, was a groundbreaking invention that promised to save lives by providing a safe means of escape for pilots in the event of a crash or forced landing. This demonstration, witnessed by a large crowd, aimed to instill confidence in the public and showcase the potential of this innovative technology. As Orde Lees takes a deep breath and plunges into the water, the photograph captures a moment of both anticipation and excitement. The splash created by his entry into the Thames marks the successful completion of the demonstration, further solidifying the Guardian Angel parachute's reputation as a lifesaving device. This photograph is a testament to the courage, innovation, and spirit of adventure that defined the early days of aviation history.
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