The enthusiasm of the presentation of the life of Richard Pearse or other unknown individuals is what makes THG unique in the YT history presenters category. Thank you, Sir.
@John Smith John he flew to the level of other people at the same time, the key difference being his concept of an aircraft was far more advanced than anyone else, Wright Brothers in particular.
I am proud to be a Kiwi but I am sure that part of what created these minds is the isolation from the rest of the world, you can no longer find in our country.
Thank you THG! I'm from Timaru, just a few short kilometres Temuka. I can honestly say that I've never heard a foreigner talk about Richard Pearce. Again... Thank you.
Hated history when I was in school. How different my thinking would have been if I saw your videos back then. I'm 74 now and look forward to all your videos. Thank you for opening my eyes.
I love this story! Sounds similar in some ways to John Britten and his V1000 motorcycle, hand built in a New Zealand shed and wins at Daytona. Another genius
@@oceanexploration : Another parallel; their sad endings. I'd dispute that Pearse was driven mad by any bullying over his flight. His death came five decades later.
Once more a fine episode.Of course as a New Zealand aircraft engineer with a passion for history this man is well known to me! Pearse's memorial is a full scale mock up of his aircraft set on a metal plinth It is down an obscure country lane not far from his farm. At dusk when the light fades it looks like it is in flight. With only a little imagination you can hear the engine beat and see Pearse sat at the controls.
No response needed, and I'm sure you know most/all of this already - but what really sets you and your channel apart is you are such a great storyteller. Your passion for these stories shines through; you are so very human in your videos, and it's a dose of fresh air. Many other "history" channels, both on TV and RUclips, are very sterile, or blatantly over-produced, making the production about "entertainment" because the rest of the "product" is so, so sterilized of humanity for the sake of being human. I hope that makes sense!! Thank you for the amazing work you do! Thank you for leaving the corporate gig that I'm sure was killing you slowly from within, and turning instead to this medium and vocation!
As an Aviation enthusiast, i thankyou Mr The History Guy for this episode of one of the pioneers of powered flight. It's History That Deserves To Be Remembered
once you start learning to fly.. you learn how simple the principles mechanisms are. Airplanes are really very simple contraptions. But it took Genius to figure out those principles and invent things like aelerons, flaps, wing shapes, propellers....
I've always had great admiration for people who follow their passion regardless of whether it leads them to fame or fortune. Even if they spend their entire lives scraping to get by, at least they're doing what interests them.
Richard Pearse didn't do too badly for himself, what went bad for him was the attitude of the people around him thinking that he was crazy because of his passion for invention.
Brilliant Presentation Thanks Mr History Guy. Although not as well known as Rutherford, Pickering or Halburg, Pearse has a special place in New Zealand History
You mentioned a place called Sunnyside in Christchurch, NZ - Annex Rd, I used to ride my bike past that fortified place when I was young, intrigued as it seemed mysterious, maybe haunted, a derelict mental asylum. Once a mate and I gathered the guts and curiosity to sneak/break into the place to explore. Very weird place. Seriously, there were boarded up windows, bottles of medication on the floor, and tables with restraints etc. Never forget that, it’s since been torn down. I hadn’t even heard of Richard Pearce back then! Love your work, and a proud Patreon, keep doing what you’re doing.
Dear David: his surname was Pearse. I mention this purely because you will have much better luck searching for further details. A good starting point is the wiki article, here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Pearse
This man deserves to have a movie depicting his life. I've seen drawings of his airplanes but never knew anything about him until I stumbled onto this channel.
Thank you for telling me about Richard Pearse. The enthusiasm you speak of is indeed all important and is visibly present in your presentation. Thank you.
Thank you so much History Guy! I'm fortunate in that I have visited MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology). Richard Pearse is 'World famous in NZ' - the 'number 8 fencing wire' attitude was part of the early history for NZ due to the remoteness of our location and is still part of our national identity. I must get some photos together relating to the memorial dedicated to the USMC troops who perished in a training exercise while stationed in NZ during WWII. Bit of a trip, but happy to help source some material for you.
What a great subject! I did a middle school report back in the 80's about how Pearse's modesty subverted his due fame. He achieved flight, but blasted himself with so many excuses as to why it wasn't "actual flight", his self-deprecation has stuck with me all these years. Thank you for this episode.
Richard Pearse had been hopping around with various short flights and crash landings in his first microlight style, combustion engine powered flying machines for several years before the Wright brothers had even managed to make a successful glider since the 1890s. In one flight witnessed in March 1902 he flew for almost one kilometre up a river at a height of 50-100 metres, but, due to the 'uncontrolled' landing on a stoney river bed surface was reluctant to count it as a 'successful' powered flight. At the time many inventors of flying machines around the world were racing to achieve the first powered take off and controlled landing of a powered aircraft, he read popular mechanics and similar magazines of the day and developed his own very unique two and four cylinder benzene engines that still to this day are a mystery as to how they worked without the normal type of air intakes and valves and apparently made use of both strokes of the pistons like a steam engine. He also invented a treadle-powered bicycle (a bit like the prinicple of treadles on old sewing machines) that could go faster than a normal pedal bike.
I, and all of your viewers, are grateful you chose to pursue your vision for this RUclips channel! Unlike poor Richard, you had the assistance of family to make the dream come true. We are all richly blessed by your vision; learning things truly needing to be remembered! Blessings!
I remember watching an attempted recreation on the 100th anniversary of the flight in 2003 using a replica plane. People were of course disappointed when it didn't get into the air, but watching this I was reminded of all the innovations he came up with which would eventually become common.
I spend my senior school years in New Zealand. Richard is wtell known there but unknown everywhere else. Thank you for shining some light on his story.
I,m a New Zealander and Richard Pearse,s exploits are taught in school here, he is a well respected aviator, thanks for sharing with the rest of the world.
As a New Zealander, I am absolutely thrilled that you have acknowledged Richard Pearce. He was probably a product of his time in New Zealand, in as much as those who lived in rural communities, rarely had the opportunity to further their education. Who knows what RP could have achieved if he had lived in the city or Europe or the USA, or had the opportunity to further develop his engineering prowess.
As a kiwi and a huge aviation nerd as well as being a fan of Richard Pearse himself, I can not thank you enough for making this video and allowing his story reach out to people who might otherwise not know who Richard Pearse was. As ever THG, a top notch video as always. Keep up the great work.
AT LAST, AN AMERICAN FINALLY ACKOWLEDGES RICHARD PEARSE - THE FIRST MAN IN THE WORLD TO FLY ! We in New Zealand have always known this, he was a pioneer, an aviator, and an amazing mechanic. If you come to Timaru, South Island New Zealand, You will find copies of his inventions in the Timaru Museum, for all to see. He was not a hoax, he was real, and his achievements should be given more creedence than he has garnered so far. Kia Kaha !!!
I feel you're doing a great service to history by producing your videos like this one. Without you and your other video's, I and many like me would never know of a person like Richard Pearse and his contribution to history. I enjoy your channel and look forward to your narration and the videos. Thank You.
Though the Wright brothers were indeed the first to successfully lift off and fly, their real innovation and success was understanding and perfecting controls to turn in the air. This was likely because they'd started in bicycles and understood lean and rear wheel skid. Pearse was a true gentleman and a great inventor regardless of others' successes, and your conclusion is entirely apt. Thank you for this segment.
Kia Ora. The story of Richard Pearse is well known here in New Zealand, and a road and airport are named after him. We're very proud of his achievements, and Kiwis generally believe that Pearse did fly a powered, heavier-than-air machine before the Wright brothers. HOWEVER we also accept that he did not exactly achieve 'controlled' flight. The Wright brothers deserve the credit for the world's first truly controlled flight (although any online search produces alternative points-of-view). It's certainly interesting to speculate about what Pearse could have achieved had he been able to share ideas, and work with, other early aviators around the world.
Thank you so much for adding our local hero to your always great videos Richard was an enigma and I think it is with a sense of regret that we didn't recognize his efforts at the time
One thing I learned in my 7+ decades of living is that there is a great story behind every person I took the time to know. Richard Pearse is probably no exception, and factually we cannot celebrate the acomplishments of everyone on planet earth. We should however celebrate the fact that humans are progressive, and are capable of achieving any goal.
"To Challenge The Hedges In Our Lives" what a true statement. Once again The History Guy lifts off with a episode of determination and vision, we all should admire. Thank you.
I'll say it again: You're the best at what you do because you find the obscure, infuse it with passion, and then share it with just enough panache to keep your listeners enthralled--regardless of the topic. That, sir, is a talent.
Thankyou Mr History Guy. Sure he was a modest nutter, wanting a shopping cart to fly to Timaru for the groceries. But as they say necessity is the mother of invention. For a man he was way ahead of his time. It will always be debated between Richard and your Wright Bros. However as you rightly stated he clearly came up with some world firsts such as being a monoplane, having ailerons, a variable prop etc. As he was once quoted its one thing to be able to make an aircraft. But it completely another to be able to fly it. This has been 1 of your best talks IMHO to date. a salute to you. Richard Pearse is up there with Burt Munroe, Sir Ed Hillary, Hamilton, and Lord Rutherford. We can turn on that ol Kiwi Magic once in every while. Cheers mate to you n Mrs HG and cats. God bless.
I saw a display about Richard Pearse in the New Zealand museum back in 1983. At the time, I was of the opinion that the Wright Brothers were the first to fly and Pearce's data did not have much merit. But the evidence regarding Pearce's precedence was rather strong, so I kept an open mind ever since. With more and more history available, especially on the internet, I've swung around and now believe that, although the Wright Brothers definitely invented the modern flying machine, Richard Pearce probably had a powered machine in the air before them.
When I was in primary school we learnt about Richard Pearce, over the years I had forgotten it. As a Kiwi it's awesome to see this :) and all your other videos as well.
As a kiwi growing up post WW2 this contentious issue over whether a New Zealand man invented powered flight was part of growing up. The U. S. A. it seemed, cllaimed or if necessary stole rights to everything. And, to us, so it was with flight. I still feel that way. 'Americans are loud and arrogant'. VOversexed, overpayed and over here' Also a WW2 saying, 'When the british fly over, the Germans duck. When the Germans fly over, the British duck. But when the Americans fly over, EVERYBODY ducks'. A great and balanced telling of a favourite Kiwi icon. I never knew the details or how humble and understated Richard Pearce was. Thank you ❤
Good ol' Richard Pearse - he definitely deserves to be remembered! This is one of the guys (along with Sir Edmund Hillary and Bill Hamilton - father of the jet-boat) who makes me proud to be a New Zealander! Please do an episode on Bill Pickering - a New Zealand-born rocket scientist who headed the JPL for 22 years!
It took human genius 99% of human history to make poor imitations of birds and bugs. Surely the genius of our Creator is beyond fathom. He even granted us a portion of genius that we could copy his birds one day.
A lot of people had been working on human flight for many years before Pearse, or the Wrights. A lack of a power source that didn't weigh a ton and had enough oomph, was the main obstacle that had stymied the development of human flight from the beginning. Some people had spent time on gliders, or kites, but powered flight was seen as the most desirable. When the gasoline engine came along, it was correctly seen as the solution to that problem, and it inspired a surge in work on aircraft development. Efficiently shaping, and properly sizing the wings was another problem that needed to be worked out. Otto Lilienthal claimed to have created accurate tables for wings, but they proved to be unreliable by others who tried to use them. And the other big technical challenge to flying was how to control the craft in the air. Devices like ship's rudders were seen to be a logical means to turn aircraft in the air. Plus it was not a big leap to think of using something like a rudder for pitch control by turning them on their side. The need to roll the aircraft during turns, however, was not even thought of by anyone but a handful of people by the beginning of the 20th century. A British guy named Matthew Boulton had patented ailerons in the 1860's, but it seems like nobody was aware of his work. That included Octave Chanute, an American engineer who acted as a distribution hub for sharing aeronautical ideas. The Wrights independently invented ailerons over 30 years after Boulton's patent was issued in the United Kingdom. The Wright's aircraft used wing warping, but the patent they were granted in 1906 covered both wing warping and ailerons for use in controlling roll. That made the Wrights the first to get all 3 problems solved, even if they barely worked in 1903. Their engine was so under powered that they need a cocktail of factors working together that barely allowed them to fly in 1903. They were at the coast in winter, the results were high winds that aided their engine, and low elevation, and cold temperatures, which combined to create high air density. All of those were essential for their 1903 flights. They went back home and decided to not spend time developing a better engine. They settled on using a catapult to get them airborne at the higher elevation in Ohio. They correctly understood that other people were working on perfecting engine design, and their energy was better utilized on the lift and control issues. They came up with both an effective wing design, and a control system. That put them miles ahead of everyone else, they solved two of the three problems that other pioneers were having the most trouble with. When they took to their campaign of public demonstrations, nobody else had a plane that was anywhere close to it. The other people who were well known for pursuing aircraft development, are on record as conceding that the Wrights had solved the biggest problems that still stymied them. They all copied the Wrights after that, and surpassed them because they were not held back by the product precedent the Wrights had established for themselves.
An episode about Masashi Coto and his attempt to fly over America, Europe, and Asia in 1929 would be great. I believe it's history that deserves to be remembered.
I've heard it said the main difference between the Pearce and Wright brothers attempts was that the Wright brothers had the foresight to make their attempts in front of the media. Great videos thanks!
The story of Richard Pearse is, without question, history that deserves to be remembered. He was a pioneer. He should be celebrated for his inventive spirit, drive, perseverance, and dedication. That having been said I don't believe there's any way in hell that his craft actually flew.
These diamonds of forgotten history are always delightful to find whenever I look and see a notification..... always informative, educational and most welcome.
Thanks for the post, as a Kiwi I'm very proud of Richard's accomplishments. Some times I think being isolated, without modern day distractions produced some wonderful backyard engineering. Just a suggestion, you could look at the Hamilton jet boat propulsion, certainly opened up access to inland waters. I own a jet boat and they are cool as. Love my jet boat.
It's amazing that he came up with so many inventions on his own. Things That became known to the masses later, where already achieved by Peasre working on his own without any outside knowledge. A true Craftsman!
G'day History Guy, Back at the start of the 80s a fellow journalist from The Age newspaper, in Melbourne, the late Bob Millington and I began 'Pageant; Australia's History Magazine', in the front room of my home. Working on two 386 PCs, with the latest page layout software, we were trying to revive the spirit of 'Parade Magazine' a widely successful history magazine of the 1930s. We scoured Australia and New Zealand for little known history yarns, much like you do on RUclips. Sadly, this was before the era when people suddenly developed an appetite for history stories. Although we quickly gained over 2000 subscribers after only one issue, we couldn't convince advertisers we were on to a good thing. But that's another, painful story. In our second edition a friend of my New Zealand born wife brought us the tale of Richard Pearse which told of his powered flight several months before the Wright brothers. I had served in the RAAF yet I'd never heard of Pearse. We researched the story as best we could and ran it in our magazine. I later received dozens of letters from New Zealanders, and several elderly Australians who swore blind that Pearse was the real deal. But, as you so brilliantly put it, beating the Wright brothers' record is not the real issue. It was a fantastic, almost unbelievable tale of a special man who worked in total isolation and against all kinds of obstacles and derision. Despite our magazine venture failing, we were proud to bring little known history stories to an audience that we still believe would have been significant had we found backers. This is yet another reason why I am so impressed with you and your partner's place in bringing our passion for history to a growing, appreciative audience. If only Bob and I had RUclips back then... Thank you so very much L, your history mate from Tasmania. Cheers, BH
Oh that last line got me. As someone who's flown in virtually every craft in the army inventory and jumped out of much of the air force's, I still marvel at the pioneers of flight. Thanks for letting us know about My Pearse.
I was born in Ashburton not far up from Temuka, & Richard was quite the legend with my father's telling of the kiwi that flew before the Wright brothers!
Kiwis have an extraordinary number of stand alone inventors. We call this ingenuity the "number 8 wire" ethos. Our rural background and time spent importing parts induced a necessity to improvise, invent or just make the bloody thing go! It's also why Kiwis were the first troops to be called on for the British LRDP. That and because we're rough as guts and take it. Cheers.
Well done ... we all must challenge the hedges that clutter our lives. I grew up in Southern NZ, and I grew up with the knowledge Pearce was the first to successfully achieve powered flight. That he was not the first to document it ... says a lot about the BS Amurica was capable of, even then.
The passion you give to everyone of your stories was certainly felt in this episode. This is what makes THG such a great channel! Thank you for this amazing story!
Wonderful episode! I’ve followed aviation all my life and I don’t believe I’ve ever read about this gentleman. Thank you for bringing his “history” to us.
There are always dream-stealers among us. They are the nay-sayers who put down those who think outside the box or challenge tradition. Although they never accomplish anything great themselves, they want to interfere with anyone else who dares to try. Fon't let anyone steal your dreams! Thank you HG for not being afraid to pursue your dreams! All of us including you are the beneficiaries of your courage.
It would seem Mr. Pearce's designs were ahead of his contemporaries by a great deal. It is entirely to his credit that he did all this with no backers, partners and most impressively, with no formal education. Most impressive indeed! Thanks, HG!
@@johnanon6938 December 17th, actually. My daughter was born on that day. It's a real shame that Richard Pearse was so isolated and could not get a proper education, although his isolation from established ideas may have given him the freedom to follow avenues of thought not common at the time. We'll never know what could have been, but it's fun to think about. And I think it would have been equally cool if the Wrights had traveled to New Zealand and met Mr. Pearse. I can only imagine as to the conversations held between them.
@@catjudo1The wright brothers weren’t “properly educated” either. These guys built their flying machines at the turn of the 20th century. It sounds to me like you can’t conceive just how difficult and expensive (in both money and time) it would have been for Pearse to travel to the Carolinas, or the Wright Brothers to travel to New Zealand was. Back then they would have had to take long journeys on ocean liners. And this was before the Panama Canal was finished, so they either would have had to sail more than half the world away, or taken a long cross-continental steam train across the USA and sailed to/from California. These guys had aeroplanes to keep building.
Some of your best work, which is saying something given how many excellent videos you have made. Your connection of that story to everyday life is absolutely top notch.
As a Pilot i am in awe of steerable nose gear and adjustable pitch propellers. One has to imagine that if this man was not in a remote area what he might have accomplished. Fascinating as always.
On top of this being the BEST channel on YT... I thought I'd say I like the new yellow on black radiation symbol way more than the old red on yellow one. While I appreciate all your historical artifacts in the background, the red on yellow just took too much attention for itself. Anyway... Thank you Mr. The History Guy! Thank you for stimulating my brain!
The museum you mention is MOTAT. The Museum of Transport and Technology which is a must see for any history guys and girls visiting Auckland. They have everything from a Sunderland flying boat to an early analogue computer made from meccano. The even have a tractor driven to the South Pole by Edmund Hillary's team as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1958
Great subject. Recall reading that Pearse once claimed his primary motivation for building a flying machine in the first place was that he found the walk to town, and the nearest store, to be too far. . .
Good to see Richard Pearse recognized by someone outside of New Zealand.
What a beautiful homage to an oft overlooked man. From this New Zealander, thank you for sharing about one of our favourite under-dogs.
dufis
The enthusiasm of the presentation of the life of Richard Pearse or other unknown individuals is what makes THG unique in the YT history presenters category. Thank you, Sir.
totally agree
Well said
YES!!!!!
Yes. the passion shines through. glorious. Thanks!
An 'unknown' individual who beat the Wright brothers to powered flight and invented the world's first microlight.
I have been to New Zealand many times and Richard Pearse is a famous man there, I have read about him, good to see you speak of him thank you.
@John Smith John he flew to the level of other people at the same time, the key difference being his concept of an aircraft was far more advanced than anyone else, Wright Brothers in particular.
I am proud to be a Kiwi but I am sure that part of what created these minds is the isolation from the rest of the world, you can no longer find in our country.
Thank you THG! I'm from Timaru, just a few short kilometres Temuka.
I can honestly say that I've never heard a foreigner talk about Richard Pearce. Again... Thank you.
Or trying to say Temuka
@@glynncleaver7398 tay MOO ka
@@rjlchristie Most people just tim-ooka, with no particularly stressed syllable at all.
Hated history when I was in school. How different my thinking would have been if I saw your videos back then. I'm 74 now and look forward to all your videos. Thank you for opening my eyes.
..."challenge the hedges that surround our lives."
A classic History Guy line.
I love this story! Sounds similar in some ways to John Britten and his V1000 motorcycle, hand built in a New Zealand shed and wins at Daytona. Another genius
@ True, but I didn't say they were parallels. I said they were similar in some ways. You are correct.
@@oceanexploration : Another parallel; their sad endings. I'd dispute that Pearse was driven mad by any bullying over his flight. His death came five decades later.
Once more a fine episode.Of course as a New Zealand aircraft engineer with a passion for history this man is well known to me!
Pearse's memorial is a full scale mock up of his aircraft set on a metal plinth
It is down an obscure country lane not far from his farm.
At dusk when the light fades it looks like it is in flight.
With only a little imagination you can hear the engine beat and see Pearse sat at the controls.
No response needed, and I'm sure you know most/all of this already - but what really sets you and your channel apart is you are such a great storyteller. Your passion for these stories shines through; you are so very human in your videos, and it's a dose of fresh air. Many other "history" channels, both on TV and RUclips, are very sterile, or blatantly over-produced, making the production about "entertainment" because the rest of the "product" is so, so sterilized of humanity for the sake of being human. I hope that makes sense!!
Thank you for the amazing work you do! Thank you for leaving the corporate gig that I'm sure was killing you slowly from within, and turning instead to this medium and vocation!
Paul Deck amen! Passion, that stirs the soul, and drives us to beg for more....a wonderful human condition that.....
Mum always said .. " watch the werido next door he steals the rhubarb "
As an Aviation enthusiast, i thankyou Mr The History Guy for this episode of one of the pioneers of powered flight.
It's History That Deserves To Be Remembered
once you start learning to fly.. you learn how simple the principles mechanisms are. Airplanes are really very simple contraptions. But it took Genius to figure out those principles and invent things like aelerons, flaps, wing shapes, propellers....
I've always had great admiration for people who follow their passion regardless of whether it leads them to fame or fortune. Even if they spend their entire lives scraping to get by, at least they're doing what interests them.
Richard Pearse didn't do too badly for himself, what went bad for him was the attitude of the people around him thinking that he was crazy because of his passion for invention.
Brilliant Presentation Thanks Mr History Guy. Although not as well known as Rutherford, Pickering or Halburg, Pearse has a special place in New Zealand History
There is so much in history we’re the ‘little guy’ doesn’t get the proper recognition they deserve until someone shines a light on them
Wonderful video. Balanced take on Pearse that he would be proud of.
You mentioned a place called Sunnyside in Christchurch, NZ - Annex Rd, I used to ride my bike past that fortified place when I was young, intrigued as it seemed mysterious, maybe haunted, a derelict mental asylum. Once a mate and I gathered the guts and curiosity to sneak/break into the place to explore. Very weird place. Seriously, there were boarded up windows, bottles of medication on the floor, and tables with restraints etc. Never forget that, it’s since been torn down. I hadn’t even heard of Richard Pearce back then! Love your work, and a proud Patreon, keep doing what you’re doing.
Dear David: his surname was Pearse. I mention this purely because you will have much better luck searching for further details. A good starting point is the wiki article, here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Pearse
TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE BOTTLES OF MEDICATION 😝
I've said it before and I'll say it again: you are *really* good at this.
What I really love about your videos, Sir, is that you sit there and talk directly to me. Very engaging. Keep up the great work.
This man deserves to have a movie depicting his life. I've seen drawings of his airplanes but never knew anything about him until I stumbled onto this channel.
There have been a couple produced in Australia
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I would love to see them on American tv....possibly PBS. The best source for historical documentaries.
HG you have nailed it again. Those pesky Kiwis are capable of anything.
That's why their sheep are some of the fastest in the world, second only to Wales.
@@Simonsvids NZers concede the title of fastest sheep to the Australians.
Leave our blondes alone ! 🤨
Kiwi 🥝 🇳🇿 pioneering
@@Simonsvids true, we shag em others eat em :-)
Thank you for telling me about Richard Pearse. The enthusiasm you speak of is indeed all important and is visibly present in your presentation. Thank you.
Thank you so much History Guy! I'm fortunate in that I have visited MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology). Richard Pearse is 'World famous in NZ' - the 'number 8 fencing wire' attitude was part of the early history for NZ due to the remoteness of our location and is still part of our national identity.
I must get some photos together relating to the memorial dedicated to the USMC troops who perished in a training exercise while stationed in NZ during WWII. Bit of a trip, but happy to help source some material for you.
What a great subject! I did a middle school report back in the 80's about how Pearse's modesty subverted his due fame. He achieved flight, but blasted himself with so many excuses as to why it wasn't "actual flight", his self-deprecation has stuck with me all these years. Thank you for this episode.
Richard Pearse had been hopping around with various short flights and crash landings in his first microlight style, combustion engine powered flying machines for several years before the Wright brothers had even managed to make a successful glider since the 1890s. In one flight witnessed in March 1902 he flew for almost one kilometre up a river at a height of 50-100 metres, but, due to the 'uncontrolled' landing on a stoney river bed surface was reluctant to count it as a 'successful' powered flight. At the time many inventors of flying machines around the world were racing to achieve the first powered take off and controlled landing of a powered aircraft, he read popular mechanics and similar magazines of the day and developed his own very unique two and four cylinder benzene engines that still to this day are a mystery as to how they worked without the normal type of air intakes and valves and apparently made use of both strokes of the pistons like a steam engine. He also invented a treadle-powered bicycle (a bit like the prinicple of treadles on old sewing machines) that could go faster than a normal pedal bike.
I, and all of your viewers, are grateful you chose to pursue your vision for this RUclips channel! Unlike poor Richard, you had the assistance of family to make the dream come true. We are all richly blessed by your vision; learning things truly needing to be remembered! Blessings!
I remember watching an attempted recreation on the 100th anniversary of the flight in 2003 using a replica plane. People were of course disappointed when it didn't get into the air, but watching this I was reminded of all the innovations he came up with which would eventually become common.
Thanks for covering my countryman. I like your channel but never expected to see Richard Pearse appear.
My day is incomplete without a shot of knowledge from THE HISTORY GUY.
I spend my senior school years in New Zealand. Richard is wtell known there but unknown everywhere else. Thank you for shining some light on his story.
@uncletigger my secondary schools were Rongotai College & Hawera High School. University was Massey
I,m a New Zealander and Richard Pearse,s exploits are taught in school here, he is a well respected aviator, thanks for sharing with the rest of the world.
Just poured my first cup of coffee, was waiting for this before I shower and get ready for the day. Like clockwork, I love it!
Another great video. I appreciate the thought, and philosophy, that is put into it.
As a New Zealander, I am absolutely thrilled that you have acknowledged Richard Pearce. He was probably a product of his time in New Zealand, in as much as those who lived in rural communities, rarely had the opportunity to further their education. Who knows what RP could have achieved if he had lived in the city or Europe or the USA, or had the opportunity to further develop his engineering prowess.
As a kiwi and a huge aviation nerd as well as being a fan of Richard Pearse himself, I can not thank you enough for making this video and allowing his story reach out to people who might otherwise not know who Richard Pearse was. As ever THG, a top notch video as always. Keep up the great work.
AT LAST, AN AMERICAN FINALLY ACKOWLEDGES RICHARD PEARSE - THE FIRST MAN IN THE WORLD TO FLY ! We in New Zealand have always known this, he was a pioneer, an aviator, and an amazing mechanic. If you come to Timaru, South Island New Zealand, You will find copies of his inventions in the Timaru Museum, for all to see. He was not a hoax, he was real, and his achievements should be given more creedence than he has garnered so far. Kia Kaha !!!
As a retired Kiwi aircraft engineer and airline pilot I've always wondered about the veracity of this legend. A very interesting story!
I feel you're doing a great service to history by producing your videos like this one. Without you and your other video's, I and many like me would never know of a person like Richard Pearse and his contribution to history. I enjoy your channel and look forward to your narration and the videos. Thank You.
Totally shrrr
I meant totally agree.
Though the Wright brothers were indeed the first to successfully lift off and fly, their real innovation and success was understanding and perfecting controls to turn in the air. This was likely because they'd started in bicycles and understood lean and rear wheel skid. Pearse was a true gentleman and a great inventor regardless of others' successes, and your conclusion is entirely apt. Thank you for this segment.
Kia Ora. The story of Richard Pearse is well known here in New Zealand, and a road and airport are named after him. We're very proud of his achievements, and Kiwis generally believe that Pearse did fly a powered, heavier-than-air machine before the Wright brothers. HOWEVER we also accept that he did not exactly achieve 'controlled' flight. The Wright brothers deserve the credit for the world's first truly controlled flight (although any online search produces alternative points-of-view).
It's certainly interesting to speculate about what Pearse could have achieved had he been able to share ideas, and work with, other early aviators around the world.
Thank you so much for adding our local hero to your always great videos
Richard was an enigma and I think it is with a sense of regret that we didn't recognize his efforts at the time
One thing I learned in my 7+ decades of living is that there is a great story behind every person I took the time to know. Richard Pearse is probably no exception, and factually we cannot celebrate the acomplishments of everyone on planet earth. We should however celebrate the fact that humans are progressive, and are capable of achieving any goal.
"To Challenge The Hedges In Our Lives" what a true statement. Once again The History Guy lifts off with a episode of determination and vision, we all should admire. Thank you.
To challenge the hedges that surround our lives. Dude you are an amazing writer.
Richard Pearce a man well known in New Zealand, but hardly heard of outside our country - thanks for sharing this snippet of history.
I'll say it again: You're the best at what you do because you find the obscure, infuse it with passion, and then share it with just enough panache to keep your listeners enthralled--regardless of the topic. That, sir, is a talent.
Thankyou Mr History Guy. Sure he was a modest nutter, wanting a shopping cart to fly to Timaru for the groceries. But as they say necessity is the mother of invention. For a man he was way ahead of his time. It will always be debated
between Richard and your Wright Bros. However as you rightly stated he clearly came up with some world firsts such as being a monoplane, having ailerons, a variable prop etc. As he was once quoted its one thing to be able to make an aircraft. But it completely another to be able to fly it. This has been 1 of your best talks IMHO to date. a salute to you. Richard Pearse is up there with Burt Munroe, Sir Ed Hillary, Hamilton, and Lord Rutherford. We can turn on that ol Kiwi Magic once in every while. Cheers mate to you n Mrs HG and cats. God bless.
I saw a display about Richard Pearse in the New Zealand museum back in 1983. At the time, I was of the opinion that the Wright Brothers were the first to fly and Pearce's data did not have much merit. But the evidence regarding Pearce's precedence was rather strong, so I kept an open mind ever since. With more and more history available, especially on the internet, I've swung around and now believe that, although the Wright Brothers definitely invented the modern flying machine, Richard Pearce probably had a powered machine in the air before them.
When I was in primary school we learnt about Richard Pearce, over the years I had forgotten it. As a Kiwi it's awesome to see this :) and all your other videos as well.
As a kiwi growing up post WW2 this contentious issue over whether a New Zealand man invented powered flight was part of growing up.
The U. S. A. it seemed, cllaimed or if necessary stole rights to everything. And, to us, so it was with flight. I still feel that way. 'Americans are loud and arrogant'. VOversexed, overpayed and over here'
Also a WW2 saying, 'When the british fly over, the Germans duck. When the Germans fly over, the British duck. But when the Americans fly over, EVERYBODY ducks'.
A great and balanced telling of a favourite Kiwi icon. I never knew the details or how humble and understated Richard Pearce was.
Thank you ❤
"Challenge the hedges that surround our life", well written, well spoken.
One of your most inspiring films yet. Thank you!
Good ol' Richard Pearse - he definitely deserves to be remembered!
This is one of the guys (along with Sir Edmund Hillary and Bill Hamilton - father of the jet-boat) who makes me proud to be a New Zealander!
Please do an episode on Bill Pickering - a New Zealand-born rocket scientist who headed the JPL for 22 years!
"If God had meant man to fly He would have given us wings!"
He *did* give us wings. There was just some assembly required.
Give credit where credit is due: Some Humans invented flying machines.
God couldn't have. God is merely also invented by some humans.
God didn't give us wings.
He gave us the talents to make
our own wings.
steve
It took human genius 99% of human history to make poor imitations of birds and bugs. Surely the genius of our Creator is beyond fathom. He even granted us a portion of genius that we could copy his birds one day.
@@jamesengland7461 We were given dominon over all Land, Sea and Air after all.
A lot of people had been working on human flight for many years before Pearse, or the Wrights. A lack of a power source that didn't weigh a ton and had enough oomph, was the main obstacle that had stymied the development of human flight from the beginning. Some people had spent time on gliders, or kites, but powered flight was seen as the most desirable. When the gasoline engine came along, it was correctly seen as the solution to that problem, and it inspired a surge in work on aircraft development. Efficiently shaping, and properly sizing the wings was another problem that needed to be worked out. Otto Lilienthal claimed to have created accurate tables for wings, but they proved to be unreliable by others who tried to use them. And the other big technical challenge to flying was how to control the craft in the air. Devices like ship's rudders were seen to be a logical means to turn aircraft in the air. Plus it was not a big leap to think of using something like a rudder for pitch control by turning them on their side. The need to roll the aircraft during turns, however, was not even thought of by anyone but a handful of people by the beginning of the 20th century. A British guy named Matthew Boulton had patented ailerons in the 1860's, but it seems like nobody was aware of his work. That included Octave Chanute, an American engineer who acted as a distribution hub for sharing aeronautical ideas. The Wrights independently invented ailerons over 30 years after Boulton's patent was issued in the United Kingdom. The Wright's aircraft used wing warping, but the patent they were granted in 1906 covered both wing warping and ailerons for use in controlling roll. That made the Wrights the first to get all 3 problems solved, even if they barely worked in 1903. Their engine was so under powered that they need a cocktail of factors working together that barely allowed them to fly in 1903. They were at the coast in winter, the results were high winds that aided their engine, and low elevation, and cold temperatures, which combined to create high air density. All of those were essential for their 1903 flights. They went back home and decided to not spend time developing a better engine. They settled on using a catapult to get them airborne at the higher elevation in Ohio. They correctly understood that other people were working on perfecting engine design, and their energy was better utilized on the lift and control issues. They came up with both an effective wing design, and a control system. That put them miles ahead of everyone else, they solved two of the three problems that other pioneers were having the most trouble with. When they took to their campaign of public demonstrations, nobody else had a plane that was anywhere close to it. The other people who were well known for pursuing aircraft development, are on record as conceding that the Wrights had solved the biggest problems that still stymied them. They all copied the Wrights after that, and surpassed them because they were not held back by the product precedent the Wrights had established for themselves.
An episode about Masashi Coto and his attempt to fly over America, Europe, and Asia in 1929 would be great. I believe it's history that deserves to be remembered.
I've heard it said the main difference between the Pearce and Wright brothers attempts was that the Wright brothers had the foresight to make their attempts in front of the media. Great videos thanks!
Wow! Thank you for bring a hardly known peace history to light.
Great info. Being an aviation nut and having worked on aircraft in the Navy I love stories like this!
The story of Richard Pearse is, without question, history that deserves to be remembered. He was a pioneer. He should be celebrated for his inventive spirit, drive, perseverance, and dedication.
That having been said I don't believe there's any way in hell that his craft actually flew.
I sware I could watch you all day. Wish you where my teacher when I was in high school.
So Kiwis can fly! An amazing mind
These diamonds of forgotten history are always delightful to find whenever I look and see a notification..... always informative, educational and most welcome.
Thanks for the post, as a Kiwi I'm very proud of Richard's accomplishments. Some times I think being isolated, without modern day distractions produced some wonderful backyard engineering.
Just a suggestion, you could look at the Hamilton jet boat propulsion, certainly opened up access to inland waters. I own a jet boat and they are cool as. Love my jet boat.
that's the power of ambition, you may not reach the moon, but at least you take your foots from the ground.
Great as usual. Carry on.
It's amazing that he came up with so many inventions on his own. Things That became known to the masses later, where already achieved by Peasre working on his own without any outside knowledge. A true Craftsman!
You, sir are a most marvelous teller of historical tales...
It really doesn't matter who was first in flight be thankful we have men like them to remember.
Truly lives up to History That Deserves To Be Remembered. Thank you so much !
G'day History Guy, Back at the start of the 80s a fellow journalist from The Age newspaper, in Melbourne, the late Bob Millington and I began 'Pageant; Australia's History Magazine', in the front room of my home. Working on two 386 PCs, with the latest page layout software, we were trying to revive the spirit of 'Parade Magazine' a widely successful history magazine of the 1930s. We scoured Australia and New Zealand for little known history yarns, much like you do on RUclips. Sadly, this was before the era when people suddenly developed an appetite for history stories. Although we quickly gained over 2000 subscribers after only one issue, we couldn't convince advertisers we were on to a good thing. But that's another, painful story. In our second edition a friend of my New Zealand born wife brought us the tale of Richard Pearse which told of his powered flight several months before the Wright brothers. I had served in the RAAF yet I'd never heard of Pearse. We researched the story as best we could and ran it in our magazine. I later received dozens of letters from New Zealanders, and several elderly Australians who swore blind that Pearse was the real deal.
But, as you so brilliantly put it, beating the Wright brothers' record is not the real issue. It was a fantastic, almost unbelievable tale of a special man who worked in total isolation and against all kinds of obstacles and derision.
Despite our magazine venture failing, we were proud to bring little known history stories to an audience that we still believe would have been significant had we found backers. This is yet another reason why I am so impressed with you and your partner's place in bringing our passion for history to a growing, appreciative audience.
If only Bob and I had RUclips back then...
Thank you so very much L, your history mate from Tasmania. Cheers, BH
Just love these videos. Wonderful sentiment in closing.
Thank you as always, for your in depth historic stories...
I just love the passion that's evident in the conclusory section here. It's very contagious.
History Guy... Your passion for history... Shows very much in this story about Richard Pearse... Thank you...
Wow, that poor guy. I really like the cut of his jib, he had amazing ideas too.
Oh that last line got me. As someone who's flown in virtually every craft in the army inventory and jumped out of much of the air force's, I still marvel at the pioneers of flight. Thanks for letting us know about My Pearse.
I was born in Ashburton not far up from Temuka, & Richard was quite the legend with my father's telling of the kiwi that flew before the Wright brothers!
Kiwis have an extraordinary number of stand alone inventors. We call this ingenuity the "number 8 wire" ethos. Our rural background and time spent importing parts induced a necessity to improvise, invent or just make the bloody thing go! It's also why Kiwis were the first troops to be called on for the British LRDP. That and because we're rough as guts and take it. Cheers.
Morale of the story, "it's not who does it first or best, but who has the best publicist."
Well done ... we all must challenge the hedges that clutter our lives. I grew up in Southern NZ, and I grew up with the knowledge Pearce was the first to successfully achieve powered flight. That he was not the first to document it ... says a lot about the BS Amurica was capable of, even then.
The passion you give to everyone of your stories was certainly felt in this episode. This is what makes THG such a great channel! Thank you for this amazing story!
Wonderful episode! I’ve followed aviation all my life and I don’t believe I’ve ever read about this gentleman. Thank you for bringing his “history” to us.
Bravo again History Guy!! I am an aviation affectionate and yet again I learned something new watching your video(s).. well done Sir well done.
There are always dream-stealers among us. They are the nay-sayers who put down those who think outside the box or challenge tradition. Although they never accomplish anything great themselves, they want to interfere with anyone else who dares to try. Fon't let anyone steal your dreams! Thank you HG for not being afraid to pursue your dreams! All of us including you are the beneficiaries of your courage.
Fantastic closing line! If you wrote it beforehand, you executed it perfectly. And this from an descendant of Wilbur and Orville...
Your right,you've probably been right a long time😁. Nice to see your comment.
It would seem Mr. Pearce's designs were ahead of his contemporaries by a great deal. It is entirely to his credit that he did all this with no backers, partners and most impressively, with no formal education. Most impressive indeed!
Thanks, HG!
Thanks , this is really history deserves to be remembered .
Poor guy, thanks new zealand!
R. from Amsterdam
You're most welcome :)
Wonderfully related. Thank you for another engrossing view of our history.
Thanks for this.
Gotta say, the dismissal of Pearse and his vision is classic NZ.
Watch this space
The land of the tall poppy syndrome. Only footy players are allowed to be clever.
Simply inspired presentation. You bring history to life. Thanks.
Shakkers 🇬🇧
Another great story, H. G. Love every one. Thank you.
"...the inspiration; the vision; to challenge the hedges that surround our li(ves)."
A brilliant summation, Mr. History Guy.
Imagine if Richard Pearse had journeyed to Kitty Hawk the way Burt Munro traveled to Bonneville...
@@johnanon6938 December 17th, actually. My daughter was born on that day. It's a real shame that Richard Pearse was so isolated and could not get a proper education, although his isolation from established ideas may have given him the freedom to follow avenues of thought not common at the time. We'll never know what could have been, but it's fun to think about. And I think it would have been equally cool if the Wrights had traveled to New Zealand and met Mr. Pearse. I can only imagine as to the conversations held between them.
@@catjudo1The wright brothers weren’t “properly educated” either.
These guys built their flying machines at the turn of the 20th century. It sounds to me like you can’t conceive just how difficult and expensive (in both money and time) it would have been for Pearse to travel to the Carolinas, or the Wright Brothers to travel to New Zealand was.
Back then they would have had to take long journeys on ocean liners. And this was before the Panama Canal was finished, so they either would have had to sail more than half the world away, or taken a long cross-continental steam train across the USA and sailed to/from California.
These guys had aeroplanes to keep building.
This episode was particularly inspiring. Thank you.
I really enjoy your passion and presentation. Thank You !
Some of your best work, which is saying something given how many excellent videos you have made. Your connection of that story to everyday life is absolutely top notch.
As a Pilot i am in awe of steerable nose gear and adjustable pitch propellers. One has to imagine that if this man was not in a remote area what he might have accomplished. Fascinating as always.
On top of this being the BEST channel on YT... I thought I'd say I like the new yellow on black radiation symbol way more than the old red on yellow one. While I appreciate all your historical artifacts in the background, the red on yellow just took too much attention for itself. Anyway... Thank you Mr. The History Guy! Thank you for stimulating my brain!
LOL that is some real detailed set watching
The museum you mention is MOTAT. The Museum of Transport and Technology which is a must see for any history guys and girls visiting Auckland. They have everything from a Sunderland flying boat to an early analogue computer made from meccano. The even have a tractor driven to the South Pole by Edmund Hillary's team as part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1958
I've never heard of him and I was born in Milton,one of the places you mentioned he lived,thank you for the enlightenment.
Great subject. Recall reading that Pearse once claimed his primary motivation for building a flying machine in the first place was that he found the walk to town, and the nearest store, to be too far. . .
Bravo! Loved the lesson and your passion!