This book tells the fascinating history behind how and why Aldershot's Military Cemetery,

with its unique design, unusual geographic location, and diverse ­ flora and fauna, makes

it one of the most unusual military cemeteries in the world. It tells the story of how first

the military at Aldershot and then its neighboring town Farnborough embraced the developing

technologies of aviation, balloons, man lifting kites and airships and how Farnborough became

the birthplace of British aviation.

The book also charts the role played by both towns in the evolution of the Royal Air Force, through

the establishment of its predecessors, the Royal Engineers Air Battalion, and the Royal Flying

Corps. Along with the parallel rise of the Royal Aeronautical Establishment and its forerunners,

H.M. Balloon Factory, e Army Aircraft Factory, e Royal Aircraft Factory and the Royal

Aircraft Establishment.

Set against the backdrop of what was happening in aviation internationally, nationally and locally

at Farnborough in the years that they died 1907-1943. This book tells the little known and untold

stories of fifty-one men who rest within the cemetery and their association and contributions

to the successful rise of the Royal Air Force and Royal Aeronautical Establishment both on the

ground and in the air.