Stories Past

by Lindsay Braden - Researcher Anglesea & District Historical Society

Percy Pratt's powerless flights from the Lookout Reserve

Geelong's indomitable Percy Pratt once brought his wonderful sailplane glider to Anglesea.

Back in '39 this sensational soaring machine was transported in sections on a trailer from the Belmont Common drome to Anglesea. It was re-assembled on the Loveridge lookout hill.

A moderate south east breeze was blowing. Take off into this was made by tow line from a car. After gaining altitude Percy circled over the hill and cliffs for some five minutes, and eventually made an easy landing on the beach at the river mouth.

The Pratt Bros also were first in the Geelong area to tow a glider with an aeroplane. With Percy in the glider and Charles in the tow plane they took off from the Belmont Common. Percy cast off when sufficient height was gained. Aided by a strong southerly he landed at Albert Park within an hour. This was a sensational feat in those early days.

I was lucky enough to meet both Percy and his brother Charlie in their latter years, and on several occasions talked to them about their vast aviation experiences