IT wasn't only cars and tipping gear which absorbed the talents of Maurice Edwards and his brothers. In 1908 they began making flying machines, and made engines for A.V. Roe.
The engines were tried out first in a big room at the back of a Bradshawgate garage, but the brothers also actually flew them in practice hops at Manchester race course.
By far the most distinguished flyer to use an Edwards' engine was John Alcock, who won a knighthood for his famous Atlantic flight. When Alcock applied to join the newly-formed Air Corps at the start of the 1914 war he was accepted because of his previous experience.
This had been gained in short hops along that same racecourse in a biplane built by Manchester and Bolton enthusiasts.
The engine had been made in a small room over Bradshawgate business premises by the four brothers led by Maurice.
When Maurice died in January, 1971, his death closed a fascinating episode in the advancement of man as a mechanical animal.
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