When Charles Richard Fairey tried to enlist, the Admiralty decided he could contribute more by designing and building aircraft than by serving in the Royal Flying Corps. Horace and Oswald Short approved a subcontract for twelve Short 827 seaplanes, giving the proposed firm its first order. Friends in the RNAS provided financial backing, and a leased room at 175 Piccadilly became the headquarters and drawing office. The Fairey Aviation Company was registered in July 1915 with working capital of about £15,000. Incorporation opened a struggle for survival rather than guaranteeing success.
Chapter · 2:18-5:24
Fairey begins with an Admiralty-backed wartime order
Charles Richard Fairey's attempt to enlist instead leads to a new aircraft company and an order for twelve Short 827 seaplanes.