The virtually identical Alliance Endeavour was an entrant in the England to Australia air race of 1919. The aircraft took off from Hounslow on the morning of 13th November 1919, but crashed a few miles away in an orchard near Surbiton Cemetery. Apparently the weather wasn't good, or there was a problem with the aircraft, because the aircraft was heading back towards Hounslow when it was seen spinning out of low cloud. Both pilots, Captain R.M. Douglas and Lieutenant J.L. Ross, were both killed in the accident.
Shortly before the record attempt, the aircraft had been badly damaged in a landing accident, requiring extensive repairs to be undertaken. The enquiry into the accident was irregular and some people thought that there was some kind of 'cover - up' by the Alliance Aircraft Company. They were however exonerated of all blame together with Napiers, whose 450hp Lion engine powered the aircraft. Does anyone have any more information regarding this fascinating subject? I've trawled around on the internet, but, so far have been unable to find any more information about the accident. I'd be really interested to learn more about what happened that day in 1919, just down the road from where I live.
Hoping you can help
Vic Martin