CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948) British Land & Water Speed Record Holder. T.L.S., M. Campbell, one pag

CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948) British Land & Water Speed Record Holder. T.L.S., M. Campbell, one pag

CAMPBELL MALCOLM: (1885-1948) British Land & Water Speed Record Holder. T.L.S., M. Campbell, one page, 4to, Gatton Road, Reigate, 15^th March 1947, to Squadron Leader D. A. de S. Young-James. Campbell states that he is obliged to his correspondent for their letter and adds that he is grateful for their assistance, noting that 'authority has been given by the Air Ministry to the Ministry of Supply to release the spare wheel and tyre which I require for my ex-R.A.F. Workshop Trailer', and further wondering if he could be of assistance in another matter, explaining 'I am in urgent need of a small motor-driven Charging Set for maintaining the 24-volt accumulators which I shall be employing for starting up my Goblin II jet engine, which I shall be using in the near future in connection with my Attempt on the World's Water Speed Record' adding 'De Havillands tell me that this Set is mounted on a hand trolley, is powered by a small aircooled engine to which the dynamo is direct-coupled, and they suggest that I should particularly ask for the 15' Bomber Command lead' and concluding that he is anxious to procure one as soon as possible. A letter of good content for is reference to Campbell's attempt at the World's Water Speed Record. One small file hole to the upper left corner and some very light, minor age wear, VG

 

The end of World War II in 1945 and a return to peace brought with it a new form of power for the record breaker - the jet engine. Campbell immediately renovated Blue Bird K4 with a De Havilland Goblin jet engine. The result has been described as a curious-looking craft, nicknamed 'The Coniston Slipper' for its shoe-like profile. Campbell's experiments with jet-power in 1947 were not a success and he retired from record-attempts, dying the following year in 1948.