Write-up of the first parcel post by Moorhouse on 18th October 1911 with image showing, on the left, William Barratt (founder) with, sitting, (the late) William B R Rhodes-Moorhouse. The first letter by air was on 11th September 1911.
This image also appears in "The Romance of Barratts" with the following text
"Sensational, also, was the First Aerial Commercial Post in the World, well publicized, undertaken on October 18th 1911, on behalf of Barratts, by that intrepid pioneer ace W B Rhodes Moorhouse, posthumously awarded the first Airman's V.C. (World War 1). Moorhouse lived at Spratton Grange, Northampton - a close neighbour - and, daring much to exceed the speed limit in his racing car, he was the victim of many a police trap in the neighbourhood. The sky held no such embarrassments and, in the Bleriot monoplane, which had already made history by winning the Daily Mail £10,000 Round Britain Air Race in July 1911, he made a fine ascent from Northampton Racecourse, assisted by the Police, carrying a load of Barratt's shoes, addressed to customers, to Hendon aerodrome.
"Cheered on wildly by the Town's citizens, who had turned out in force to see their first aircraft, the Pilot started on his historic journey. But the elements played havoc with the schedule of covering the 60 miles in 40 minutes, high winds, fog, and a forced descent stretching out the flight to two days! Nevertheless, the parcels, accompanied by a special certificate establishing the flight, did eventually reach Hendon aerodrome, from whence the Post Office took charge and delivered the shoes to their respective owners.
"Incidentally, when the Company advertised for these certificates some thirty years later, on behalf of a collector of such souvenirs, four certificates were forthcoming, in a perfect state of preservation, and brought their owners some much-appreciated guineas in return."
Acknowledged to Northamptonshire Libraries & Information Service
Image Reference: 1948
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