Schneider Trophy Weathervane

George Stainforth was a pupil of Weymouth College, joining the RAF in 1923.  He broke the world speed record in 1929 at 350mph and again in 1931 at 407mph, winning the Schneider trophy. In 1942, as Wing Commander, he was killed in action while flying in North Africa. 

The Supermarine S.6B seaplane was designed by R J Mitchell who went on to lead the team that designed the Spitfire.  The engine was a 37 litre Rolls Royce Type R engine that was the base of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine that powered the Spitfire