An 18-year-old borstal boy was committed for trial at Hampshire Assizes on 14th June 1949 after stealing a plane at Bembridge Aerodrome and flying to Wales in an attempt to escape the Isle of Wight. Brynley Fussell first attempted to escape the Island by crossing the Solent in a sailing boat. However, the boat leaked badly so he was forced to cut away the mast and sails before baling out and paddling back. The boat sank but he was able to find his way ashore. Fussell then broke into a hangar at Bembridge Aerodrome at night, intending to fly a stolen Auster aircraft to Southern Ireland to start a new life. However, his petrol ran out, and he was forced to land at Newport, South Wales. He then took a flight to Weston-Super-Mare and was subsequently detained at Bristol Airport where he had attempted to catch a flight to Ireland. Magistrates at Ryde heard Fussell had told a detective:
“I admit taking the aircraft as I wanted to try to get out of the country to France or Southern Ireland so as to make a fresh start.”
Fussell was charged with the larceny of an aircraft and petrol, worth £750, at Bembridge Aerodrome; burglary at Ryde with attempt to steal; 2 charges of house breaking at Ryde, and larceny of property valued at £16.
That’s what I call commitment and ingenuity. You wouldn’t get that from the feral youth of today.
So the island was always boring and ferry prices extortionate?
And Caulkheads blame Grockles for crimes carried out on the Island
Lol
Interesting and I wonder what happened to him, if he changed his ways or continued in crime?
Quite a skill to be able to fly a plane, despite not checking the fuel gauge or for holes in his craft. Makes a welcome read someone trying to ‘leave’ our country by boat. Every illegal arriving has committed their first and often one of many crimes by arriving illegally, showing they have no regard, or fear of breaking our laws from the get go.
Best we vote Reform even if only a protest vote to the ‘big two’.
Europe is waking up to the horrors of allowing in such people now. We are always a little slower, but time just adds to the problem, as they can breed faster than we can house and feed them, so our living standards drop
His full story can be found here: https://pilotweb.aero/news/pilot-profile-bryn-fussell-6275412/
Thank you so much for this link as I was wondering what happened to him. OMG what a story!! Such determination as a young lad. Amazing.
Love all you tossers voting Reform me and Labour will win. Do a DNA test see where you family comes from put money on it’s Europe.
Good taste in aircraft, Austers are lovely!
I know how the fella felt I really do