Cobham’s Cape Town Companions

Alan Cobham’s trusted engineer Arthur Elliott joined him on this journey to Cape Town, South Africa together with cameraman Basil Emmott.

(From left to right) Alan Cobham, Basil Emmott and Arthur Elliott at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgware, London

Using the unique aerial footage captured by Basil Emmott the feature film ‘With Cobham to the Cape’ would be produced. This pioneering film encapsulated this momentous achievement for the eagerly awaiting British public.

Captain Geoffrey de Havilland assisted Alan Cobham by supplying the de Havilland D.H.50J biplane for the flight. Sir John Siddeley also helped by supplying the 385hp Jaguar engine while Sir Charles Wakefield provided the oil.