1-151-815 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Hubert Latham attempting to fly his Antoinette monoplane across the English Channel, 1909. Hubert Latham (1883-1912), French aviator, leaving Sangatte near Calais in an 'Antoinette' monoplane in an attempt to fly across the English Channel on 19 July 1909. His engine failed halfway and Latham had to be rescued from the water by a French torpedo boat. Latham made another attempt, also unsuccessful, and was beaten to the honour of achieving the first successful cross-Channel flight by Louis Bleriot. From Le Petit Journal.