Members of the list may be aware that the mortal remains of UK 'Speed King'
Donald Campbell were recovered from Coniston Water in the Lake District at
the end of May. Donald had been in the mud of Lake Coniston for over 34
years, as divers were not able to find a recover him after the crash in
1967 and the family wanted the boat remains (also brought ashore) to remain
with 'The Skipper'.
The remains have now been identified to the satisfaction of the Coroner in
Cumbria by DNA analysis. The funeral service and burial are being planned
for September at the village church in Coniston. Not quite 35 years from
the day that Donald began the attempt to raise the water speed record to
over 300 mph. The burial service will be a national celebration of his
life and career in record breaking, after taking over from his father Sir
Malcolm.
I know that there could be some on this list who will recall Donalds ill
fated 1960 visit to Bonneville when, with pressure mounting from 'hot
rodder' Mickey Thompson, Donald crashed the CN7 car during testing runs.
Donald is of course a Bonneville 200 mph member and 300 chapter member in
recognition of his effort in 1964 in Australia in the rebuilt car.
Donald Campbell is the only person to hold official outright Land and Water
Speed records in the same year. Whilst others have gone faster, Donald
still holds the FIA version of the Turbine Land Speed Record at 403 mph.
Should Don Vesco takes this FIA record in 2001 I feel sure that there will
soon be another British Challenger to win this automobile record back for
Britain. Donald's water speed record was broken by American Lee Taylor
(who also lost his life in a later attempt) and then to US resident the
Australian Ken Warby. Another Briton is aiming to get this water record
back during 2002.
To those of us growing up in the 50's and 60's in the UK, Donald was a hero
figure and larger than life character. He never gained the support of
British Industry to challenge the jet car age brought in by Art Arfons and
Craig Breedlove, even though he planned a rocket car. He was the last
holder of the Outright Record, internationally recognised, using a
wheeldriven car ('automobile').
Donald Cambell, March 23 1921 - January 4th 1967. Now on shore, to rest in
peace.
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England
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