Glen Kidston

Glen Kidston

Glen Kidston was born on January 23rd, 1899

Place of Birth: London, England
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Profession: Racing Driver and Pilot
Years Active: 1920s-1930s
Notable Achievement: First Non-Stop Flight
Nationality: English
Died: 1931
Cause of Death: Air Crash

A pioneering aviator and racing driver who set multiple records and won several championships, known for his bravery and skill in the early days of motorsport and aviation.

Written by: David Williams David Williams

Glen Kidston: The Daring Aviator and Motor Racing Driver

Glen Kidston, a British adventurer, etched his name in the annals of history with his record-breaking flight from Netheravon, Wiltshire to Cape Town, South Africa, in 1931. This daring feat solidified his position as one of the most legendary aviators of his time, earning him a place among the esteemed Bentley Boys.

Early Life and Naval Career

Kidston was born on January 23, 1899, to Archibald Glen Kidston, a grandson of the founder of A.G. Kidston & Co., a metal and machinery merchant in Glasgow. His family's interests in shipping, solicitors, accountants, and banking led to the formation of the Clydesdale Bank.

Kidston's naval career began as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, where he faced the harsh realities of war. He was torpedoed twice in the consecutive sinkings of HMS Aboukir and Hogue during the action of September 22, 1914, against German submarine U-9 under Commander Otto Weddigen's command. Following his repatriation, he served on the dreadnought HMS Orion with the British Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland, running gunnery orders on open deck under direct enemy fire.

Racing and Aviation Pursuits

Kidston's passion for speed and adventure led him to pursue a career in motor racing and aviation. He was an early pioneer of naval flight and competed in numerous motor races, including the Monte Carlo Rally, Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, and Shelsley Walsh hillclimb. As a naval amateur, he even raced a Sunbeam motorcycle up the hill climb in Hong Kong, bringing the bike with him in his submarine patrolling the China Station.

The Record-Breaking Flight

In 1931, Kidston and his co-pilot, Colonel L.V. Lester, embarked on an epic journey from Netheravon, Wiltshire to Cape Town, South Africa, covering a distance of approximately 8,000 miles. This remarkable feat took 6 days, 10 hours, and 30 minutes, breaking the previous record by an astonishing 24 hours.

The Bentley Boys

Kidston was a core member of the Bentley Boys, a group of wealthy and adventurous individuals who shared a passion for speed, racing, and luxury. Alongside other notable members, such as Woolf Barnato and Tim Birkin, Kidston was known for his high-society parties and extravagant lifestyle.

Legacy

Glen Kidston's life was marked by his unwavering enthusiasm for adventure, speed, and innovation. His daring exploits in both aviation and motor racing left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport and aviation. Though his life was cut short in a flying accident on May 5, 1931, Kidston's legacy as a true pioneer and adventurer continues to inspire generations to come.

Timeline
1899
Born in England
Glen Kidston was born on January 23, 1899, in London, England. He would go on to become a notable English racing driver and pilot.
1920
Started Racing Career
Kidston started his racing career, competing in various motorsport events across Europe.
1930
Participated in Le Mans
Kidston participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.
1931
Died in Air Crash
Glen Kidston tragically died in an air crash on May 5, 1931, at the age of 32, cutting short his promising career in motorsport.
Glen Kidston

Glen Kidston Quiz

Glen Kidston was a pioneering figure in which two fields?

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FAQ
What was Glen Kidstons most notable achievement in racing?
Glen Kidston was a pioneering racing driver who achieved great success in the 1920s and 1930s. His most notable achievement was winning the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans with co-driver Woolf Barnato.
What type of cars did Glen Kidston typically race?
Glen Kidston typically raced Bentleys, which were known for their speed and durability. His partnership with Bentley earned him numerous victories in endurance racing events.
How did Glen Kidstons military background influence his racing career?
Glen Kidstons military background played a significant role in shaping his racing career. His experience as a pilot in World War I taught him skills that translated well to the high-stakes environment of racing.
What was Glen Kidstons personality like behind the wheel?
Glen Kidston was known for his fearless and aggressive driving style, which often pushed his cars to their limits. This approach earned him a reputation as a daring and skilled competitor.
How did Glen Kidstons life tragically come to an end?
Glen Kidstons life was cut short in a plane crash in 1931, just months after his Le Mans victory. His untimely death shocked the racing community and ended a promising career that had only just begun to flourish.

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