CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948)

CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948)

‘The boat has not been tried out at all yet, and we have not the slightest ideawhether she will behave herself at high speed’

 

CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948) British Land & Water Speed Record Holder. An excellent T.L.S., M. Campbell, two pages, oblong 8vo, Little Gatton, Gatton Road, Reigate, 31^st May 1947, to Squadron Leader D. A. Young-James. Campbell thanks his correspondent for their letter, remarking 'I very greatly appreciate your good wishes in connection with my forthcoming Attempt on the Water Speed Record' and continuing 'I would like to tell you how grateful I am for all the valuable assistance you have given me in regard to obtaining R.A.F. equipment, and I shall certainly encroach again on your kindness in the event of my wanting anything further. I think, however, I am now all set; at least I hope so', further thanking Young-James for an invitation to a Reunion Dinner and explaining that he should like to attend but that his future movements are uncertain that he will not be able to commit until nearer the date, and also writing of his upcoming travel arrangements for his water speed record attempt, 'I am leaving for Coniston during the latter part of the first week of June, but it is impossible to say when I shall be making an Attempt on the Record for the reason that the boat has not been tried out at all yet, and we have not the slightest idea whether she will behave herself at high speed, and also of course, I am entirely dependent upon weather conditions. If the gods are kind, I may have completed my task around about June 20^th, but if trouble developes (sic) and drastic alterations have to be carried out, it may be a prolonged affair'. In a holograph postscript, signed by Campbell with his initials MC, he enquires 'I suppose you don't know which dept. of the Air Ministry or the M of Ss the address to which I should apply for some dry (American) batteries suitable for “Walkie Talkie” sets which I shall be taking up with me to Coniston. Don't bother to reply unless you happen to know'. Letters of Campbell in which he discusses the water speed record are scarce and desirable. One small file hole to the upper left corner and some minor age wear, otherwise VG

 

Malcolm Campbell attempted to break his own world's water speed record in the jet-propelled Bluebird II on Lake Coniston in June 1947. Unfortunately Campbell's attempt was not a success and it was also to be his final bid at a record attempt, Campbell sadly passing away in 1948.