The Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1939. Passing of the Flying Dutchman

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 307, 29 December 1939, Page 6

The Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1939. Passing of the Flying Dutchman

Memories oi' the last war are vividly recalled by the announcement of the death oi Anthony Fokker in his prime. He was 49 years of age. Horn in Java oi Hutch parents, he travelled at an early age to Holland in order to begin his serious school iil'e. The ordinary educational career was not i'or him. As he said himself in his reminiscences, he had a single-track mind. His interest was centred in aeroplanes, at that time in the early stages of their development.

At the age of nineteen lie produced his first plane, and during the war supplied the German Government with as many machines as ho could turn out. The success of his aircraft in the somewhat primitive fighting in the early days of the great struggle was a definite threat to the cause of the Allies until the genius of their inventors overcame the peril. The war brought Fokker his great opportunity.

In a moment, from a struggling inventor, he became a young man of great consequence. For more than a year before hostilities commenced he was working closely with the German army staff, yet not the faintest hint reached him of the plans that -were afoot for the great drive against France, which began in August of 1914. Fokker was most favourably placed to serve the German Government, for he had established two small aeroplane factories *in Germany.

In the stress of war he was given carte blanche in the belief held by the High Command that the conflict would be of short duration and that consequently there was no need to keep a tight rein on the national expenditure. Success attended Fokker from the beginning, and his biplanes and triplanes enabled the German aces to record some notable achievements.

“Almost before I knew it,” he said, “I was scrambling up the ladder faster than my feet could carry me. Somehow I managed to keep my feet, and, though my eyes were dazzled, I seized every opportunity as it presented itself. . . . Whatever I did prospered. For the first time in my life I worked in a state of happiness and appreciated achievement. ’ ’

It was often asked at the time why Fokker, a Hollander, had thrown in his lot with Germany. The explanation Was simple and natural. Not only had he been experimenting and building in Germany before there was any suggestion of vvar, but lie had received encouragement in that country that was denied him elsewhere. This is a common experience. In the flood of inventions brought forward in every country it frequently happens that one of importance is overlooked.

Answering suggestions .that he should have joined the Allies, Fokker explained his early hopes and disappointments. The critics disregarded the fact that his own country had seen fit to prefer French planes to his own; England and Italy had scarcely acknowledged his advances. Russia had proved too corrupt a soil for him to take root; while Germany, if not enthusiastic, had given him opportunities for which that country was greatly thankful in an hour of need.

Fokker was a Hollander who remained true to his own nationality; so much so that in post-war days he placed himself and his property in jeopardy rather than discard his Dutch citizenship. Fokker, modest and unassuming, ha'd a simple philosophy in life. “My own satisfaction,” he said, “lies in the way 1 do a thing, and the fact that I have done it against odds. Whatever Ido I try to do well.”

Since the Great War Fokker had carried on his operations in Holland. The success that has resulted from them is proved by the fact that Fokker planes are now flying on approximately forty different air lines throughout the world. Anthony Fokker possessed a vivid personality. Into his comparatively short life he crowded a wealth of achievements.