Brighton brothers paved the way for seaplane innovation

In the early 20th century, Brighton, England, witnessed the pioneering efforts of the Volk brothers in aviation. George Herbert Volk, known as Bert, operated a workshop in the North Laine district, where some of the earliest seaplanes were constructed. These innovative aircraft were assembled in parts and transported to the beach, near the Banjo Groyne, for launch into the sea. Bart's elder brother, Herman Volk, was responsible for creating a collapsible hangar on the seafront, which served as the starting point for pleasure flights. This hangar was named Volk's Seaplane Station and featured a ramp leading down to the water, facilitating the launch of planes into the sea. Unfortunately, their efforts were cut short when World War One began, leading the government to requisition the hangar, effectively halting civilian aviation activities. Herman Volk contributed to the war by manufacturing planes, while also playing a prominent role in the establishment of Shoreham Airport, one of England's first aerodromes. After the war, Herman resumed his involvement with Volk's Electric Railway, which remains a popular attraction along Brighton's seafront. Conversely, Bert moved to South Africa, where he spent the remainder of his life. The legacy of the Volk brothers is significant; their contributions to aviation during the early years laid the groundwork for future advancements in seaplane technology and paved the way for civilian aviation.