TODAY ONLY
January 7
First Hot Air Balloon Crossing Of English Channel
On this day in 1785, the first balloon crossing of the English Channel was accomplished by Jean-Pierre Blanchard and his passenger, Dr. John Jeffries.
Pioneering Stuntman. Jean Pierre Blanchard (1753-1809) was one of the most skillful of the pioneering balloonists. He flew for fame and money ~ the first great aerial showman and stunt man.
Frustrated Inventor. Blanchard was a mechanic and, at the age of 16, invented the velociped, an early form of the bicycle. Fascinated with flight, he studied birds to learn the secrets of aviation. The result: the visseau volant or "flying vessel," a totally impractical "aeroplane." Accepting its failure, Blanchard turned his attention to the newly invented gas balloon.
Ballooning Capitol of the World! Since France was the ballooning capital of the world, competition there was stiff. So Blanchard moved to England and convinced a group of wealthy patrons to sponsor him.
Partner & Patron. Together with one of his benefactors, Dr. John Jeffries ~ an American living in England ~ Blanchard planned the first aerial crossing of the English Channel. Blanchard needed Jeffries to pay for the expedition, but didn't want him along for the ride or the glory.
Gonna Fly Now. Jeffries insisted. He even signed a contract stating that, if necessary for the success of the flight, he would dive overboard.
The White Cliffs Of Dover. On January 7, 1785, Blanchard's balloon was transported to a Dover cliff for launching. At the last minute, Blanchard claimed the balloon was overweight and that Jeffries could not come. The weight problem, however, turned out to be a lead belt Blanchard was wearing.
Drop Your Belts And Climb Aboard. Blanchard got rid of the belt. He and Jeffries climbed into the balloon's carriage and up they went.
Up, Up, and Er... A weak wind blew them slowly toward France, but eight miles out, the balloon began to descend over the Channel. Blanchard and Jeffries attempted to lighten their load, tossing items overboard. They continued to sink until the balloon carriage bounced on the water.
A Bad Day. Neither of the men could swim. With the French coast in sight, Jeffries climbed into the rigging, while Blanchard screamed at him to come down. From five feet above the water, they tossed ropes, anchors, silk-covered oars they believed could be used to row through the air... When the balloon still failed to rise, Blanchard tossed his clothes overboard.
Setting Limits? Jeffries said he would rather drown than face the French in the nude. But as they neared the waves, Jeffries had second thoughts and tossed his clothes overboard, too.
A Little Lift. As they neared the French coast Blanchard & Jeffries were lifted by a warm current and crossed into France, becoming the first men to fly the Channel.
More Lift. The duo was climbing skywards and had already thrown out their landing ropes. Jeffries managed to slow the balloon by grabbing on to trees. When they floated to a clearing, Blanchard released the gas from the balloon, which sank safely to the ground.
Mission Accomplished. After being loaned clothes, the men were greeted by cheering crowds.
First Air Mail Letter. Although they had jettisoned their mail bag, Jeffries stuffed one letter ~ addressed to Temple Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's grandson ~ into his underwear. This was the first airmail letter.
Link for More.
Further exploits of Blanchard.
A ballooning history timeline.
Engines of Our Ingenuity: the Blanchards.