Richard William Pearse was a New Zealand farmer and inventor who performed pioneering experiments in aviation.
It is claimed Pearse flew and landed a powered, heavier-than-air machine on 31 March 1903, nine months before the Wright brothers flew their aircraft, but the documentary evidence to support such a claim remains open to interpretation. Pearse did not develop his aircraft to the same degree as the Wright brothers, who achieved sustained, controlled flight.
In 1917, Richard's name came up in the military draw for World War 1. His appeal was overruled, and he sold off his stock and shut his farm up. He entered camp on 20 August 1917 with the service number 63410, Otago Infantry Battalion, NZEF.
He was with the 32nd Reinforcements and sailed overseas in early 1918. He arrived at Sling Camp in May 1918 yet contracted typhoid in the camp. He was classified unfit and returned to New Zealand after serving 388 days overseas.
Pearse himself was not a publicity-seeker and also occasionally made contradictory statements, which for many years led some of the few who knew of his feats to offer 1904 as the date of his first flight.
Richard was cremated at Bromley Crematorium Chapel. A memorial rose tree was planted over the ashes; appropriately, it was a "Pearse Rose."
It is claimed Pearse flew and landed a powered, heavier-than-air machine on 31 March 1903, nine months before the Wright brothers flew their aircraft, but the documentary evidence to support such a claim remains open to interpretation. Pearse did not develop his aircraft to the same degree as the Wright brothers, who achieved sustained, controlled flight.
In 1917, Richard's name came up in the military draw for World War 1. His appeal was overruled, and he sold off his stock and shut his farm up. He entered camp on 20 August 1917 with the service number 63410, Otago Infantry Battalion, NZEF.
He was with the 32nd Reinforcements and sailed overseas in early 1918. He arrived at Sling Camp in May 1918 yet contracted typhoid in the camp. He was classified unfit and returned to New Zealand after serving 388 days overseas.
Pearse himself was not a publicity-seeker and also occasionally made contradictory statements, which for many years led some of the few who knew of his feats to offer 1904 as the date of his first flight.
Richard was cremated at Bromley Crematorium Chapel. A memorial rose tree was planted over the ashes; appropriately, it was a "Pearse Rose."
Richard William Pearse was a New Zealand farmer and inventor who performed pioneering experiments in aviation.
It is claimed Pearse flew and landed a powered, heavier-than-air machine on 31 March 1903, nine months before the Wright brothers flew their aircraft, but the documentary evidence to support such a claim remains open to interpretation. Pearse did not develop his aircraft to the same degree as the Wright brothers, who achieved sustained, controlled flight.
In 1917, Richard's name came up in the military draw for World War 1. His appeal was overruled, and he sold off his stock and shut his farm up. He entered camp on 20 August 1917 with the service number 63410, Otago Infantry Battalion, NZEF.
He was with the 32nd Reinforcements and sailed overseas in early 1918. He arrived at Sling Camp in May 1918 yet contracted typhoid in the camp. He was classified unfit and returned to New Zealand after serving 388 days overseas.
Pearse himself was not a publicity-seeker and also occasionally made contradictory statements, which for many years led some of the few who knew of his feats to offer 1904 as the date of his first flight.
Richard was cremated at Bromley Crematorium Chapel. A memorial rose tree was planted over the ashes; appropriately, it was a "Pearse Rose."
It is claimed Pearse flew and landed a powered, heavier-than-air machine on 31 March 1903, nine months before the Wright brothers flew their aircraft, but the documentary evidence to support such a claim remains open to interpretation. Pearse did not develop his aircraft to the same degree as the Wright brothers, who achieved sustained, controlled flight.
In 1917, Richard's name came up in the military draw for World War 1. His appeal was overruled, and he sold off his stock and shut his farm up. He entered camp on 20 August 1917 with the service number 63410, Otago Infantry Battalion, NZEF.
He was with the 32nd Reinforcements and sailed overseas in early 1918. He arrived at Sling Camp in May 1918 yet contracted typhoid in the camp. He was classified unfit and returned to New Zealand after serving 388 days overseas.
Pearse himself was not a publicity-seeker and also occasionally made contradictory statements, which for many years led some of the few who knew of his feats to offer 1904 as the date of his first flight.
Richard was cremated at Bromley Crematorium Chapel. A memorial rose tree was planted over the ashes; appropriately, it was a "Pearse Rose."
Bio by: Terry Love
Inscription
RICHARD W. PEARSE
29-7-53
Family Members
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