The new NS11 site
Welcome to the new-look NS11 site – completely revamped and using WordPress as a foundation for what will be a better performing and more dynamic experience overall. Going live in December 2011 and rolling out over the next few months will be new features and sections on the NS-class as a whole, the airship’s construction and technology, an expanded photo library and more special features.
Read MoreWheelwright-design NS3
The artist Gary M James has kindly provided this revealing image of the control car of NS3 during its modification by Flight Commander J. S. Wheelwright and station engineering officer Lieutenant Commander A. S. Abell at East Fortune, Scotland. Their scheme to improve the initial design configuration of the NS-Class was to combine the control and engine cars into one long enclosed car which allowed the control car section to be slung closer to the envelope. NS4 was similarly modified, with the remaining airships using a two-car ‘Kingsnorth’ design. It is also known that due to the...
Read MoreMajor overhaul of the site
The new and improved NS11.org site is under construction using WordPress as a foundation for what will be a better performing and more dynamic experience overall – even for those using Explorer. The new site will go live late 2011. Rolling out over the next few months will be new features and sections on the NS-class as a whole, the airship’s engines, an expanded photo library and more special reports. The WordPress platform will also give you opportunity for you to comment and provide feedback.
Read MoreWarneford memorial in Earlestown
Earlier this week I paid a flying visit to the memorial drinking fountain erected in memory of the commander and crew of NS11. This is situated in the grounds of the Viaduct Sports & Social Club in Earlestown, Lancashire. As you can see from the images below, it is in a poor state of repair. While it is easy to say that “something must be done” it will take much effort and money to put it right. The bronze plaque was removed years ago, for safe-keeping or otherwise, and the remaining fabric of the memorial is cracked, crumbling and probably beyond economic repair. Shrubs are...
Read MoreWar Illustrated
A recent acquisition is the cover of the last ever edition of The War Illustrated, published on 8 February 1919. The entire cover is taken up with a photograph taken onboard an NS-class airship “on duty above the waters”. It shows two of the crew relaxing at the rear of the car (it seems from other photographs this is the favoured perch when not ‘on duty’) while an engineer tends the port engine. The image can be found in the NS-Class Gallery.
Read MoreThe Faces of NS11
One objective of this site is to put faces to the names of the crew. While this often seems an impossible task we are now a third of the way there with the help of Becky Saunders and a fantastic photograph Percy Waghorn, her great uncle and a coxwain of NS11 when she was lost. To view the picture and for more information on Percy visit The Crew section.
Read More90th Anniversary of R34 Crossing
On 2 July 1919, the airship R34 departed from East Fortune airship station for New York – the first east-west crossing of the Atlantic by air and, subsequently, the first ever return flight across the Atlantic. It was to be on this journey that R34 took NS11’s world endurance record. Interesting article on the BBC News site. Link
Read MoreDuncan Black
I would like to acknowledge the invaluable help of Duncan Black (aka Manica) on the Great War Forum in providing information on the crew of NS11. His help has enabled me to now show information on ever member of the crew. Duncan sadly died on Boxing Day – without doubt his passing will be a great loss to the RNAS-studies community. Given his generosity with information gathered over many years this site, and many other research projects, have benefited enormously. His collection of information on RNAS men is held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Image from South Cadbury Environs...
Read More24 Hour Museum – Website of the Week
The year ends with the honour of being awarded Website of the Week by the 24 Hour Museum – the UK’s official National Virtual Museum. This would not have been possible without the tremendous amount of support this site has been given. Culture 24
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NS11 – As Bright As Day is very much a work in progress and has been made possible by the generous and enthusiastic support of many individuals and organisations. If you have any information, records or material relating to British NS Class airships we would be very interested to hear from you – especially anyone related to members of the crew of NS11 or any airship of the class during their service with the RNAS or RAF during and beyond WWI. 
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