Leonard Horatio Slatter was born in Durban in 1894 and educated at Selborne College in East London, where he excelled in mathematics and science. Upon completion of his studies, he went to Battersea Polytechnic in London, England to train as a civil engineer. At the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the Royal Navy.
Later, he was transferred to the Observer Section, which was at the time trying to design an aerial navigation system. Slatter was next posted to the Seaplane Squadron based across the English Channel at Dunkirk on the French coast. Here his leadership qualities were soon noticed and he was chosen for naval pilot training. In 1916 he commenced operational flying duties at the Royal Naval Air Station near Dover on the English Channel.
FIRST VICTORY
On 12 August 1917, while on patrol in his Sopwith Pup over Ostend, Belgium, he noticed an enemy seaplane below him and immediately dived to attack it, his single machine gun blazing. His victim's wing slammed into the water; Slatter had recorded his first victory at the age of 22.
During active service along the English Channel and the French coast, he accounted for the downing of another six enemy aircraft. He also became adept at attacking enemy surface craft and was responsible for sinking a torpedo boat destroyer. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) in 1917.
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 30 September 2022 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 30 September 2022 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.