War Kites over Manly

A hundred years ago, if you had been on Manly Beach, you might have seen Mr C Lindsay Campbell conduct an impressive demonstration of the first “war kites” built in Australia. The war kite, supposedly invented by Baden Fletcher Baden-Powell (the brother of the man who founded the Boy Scouts), and first used during the siege of Mafeking, was a box kite large enough to be able to carry a load of up to 200 pounds in weight. Experiments had been conducted which indicated that an observer could sit in a basket slung under the kite - if he had strong enough nerves! Campbell’s Australian Aviation Syndicate put them into manufacture, and on several occasions tested them on beaches around Sydney, hoping for interest from the Australian military authorities.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the Manly demonstration, held on 2nd December 1911, that “The erection and flying of the kites attracted a large number of onlookers and considerable interest was taken in the proceedings. The kites reached an elevation of over 400 feet. No ascents were made. The kites were of considerable dimensions and afforded a striking view to the people of Manly as they soared over the village.” (SMH 4 December 1911).
No doubt the thought of an unprotected fall from 400 feet over South Steyne would have deterred even the most foolhardy volunteer from going up with the kite.