23 November 1913

The Lee-Richards annular monoplane No.l (conceived by Cedric Lee and George Tilghman Richards) was detail designed and built by James Radley and E.C. Gordon England at Shoreham. The machine was completed and ready to be flown by Gordon England on 23 November 1913. He flew successfully for the first time, although noting tail heaviness, until the engine cut out through lack of fuel on the approach to land. In the resulting crash England was injured and out of action for some months. The engine and other mechanical parts were salvaged for use in a new machine.