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Dancing in the Sky

Dancing In The Sky pays tribute to the extraordinary life of William Rhodes-Moorhouse the first airman ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Capturing the life of a mischievous young boy we follow Will’s childhood growing up in the upper class circles of Northampton.

From his family connections to some of New Zealand’s fore- most pioneers, to the intriguing story of his Maori heritage, all will be revealed. In 1906-1907 he spent some months in New Zealand where he was hailed as a Maori Chief. This mystified him. The family at home had never discussed or admitted to such a sensitive matter. Back in England he became heavy involved in aviation and teamed up with James Radley and together they built the Radley-Moorhouse monoplane. He became a regular contestant at the newly popular air-shows and races that were springing up across Europe and in the United States.

Upon the outbreak of war he immediately joined the RFC as a 2nd Lt at the age of 27 and joined No 2 Squadron RFC at Merville. A large portion of documentary concentrates on his skill as a pilot following his missions that are well documented. In particular the last 24 hours of his life receives special attention, what were his intentions on that April afternoon. Before leaving he wrote letters to his wife and his son talking of the impossible odds of him returning from this mission. William Rhodes-Moorhouse paid the ultimate price for an act of valour.

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Format
1 × 60'
Definition
HD
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