THE roar of Gypsy Moths, Avros, and a De Havilland airliner caused quite a spectacle at an air pageant which thrilled Basingstoke residents back in 1933.

The aircraft were among 15 which showcased the remarkable progress being made in the world of aviation, while raising funds for the town’s hospital, as part of the British Hospitals Air Pageant.

Taking place on Monday, July 10, 1933, it was staged at what was called the Old Golf Course, in what is today’s Oakridge area.

Unfortunately, low clouds led to the afternoon programme being abandoned, but as conditions improved, the evening’s display went ahead, attracting a large crowd.

Among the distinguished pilots flying was Charles W A Scott, who achieved fame by flying solo from England to Australia in record time covering the distance in eight days and 20 hours, in a Gypsy Moth.

Another notable aviator was round the world solo pilot Mildred Bruce.

The crowds were treated to a “Daily Sketch” via a loud speaker, where a Colonel Fitzmaurice, who was the first British airman to fly across the Atlantic east to west, from Ireland to Newfoundland, was in radio contact with Charles Scott flying in his Gypsy Moth.

Under instruction from the colonel, he performed various movements, to illustrate how the controls of an aeroplane were operated and how aerobatics stunts were executed.

Meanwhile, an RAF pilot called Flight Lieutenant Pugh, flew upside down, rolling over and looping in quick succession, which was watched with breathless interest and astonishment, according to a report in the Hants and Berks Gazette as The Gazette was then called.

Through radio contact, he responded to amusing questions asked by the colonel by answering yes and no – yes by dipping the nose of his plane, and no by wagging the wings from side to side.

Accompanied by music, the spectators were amused by his antics as he flew to the rhythm of a waltz and foxtrot.