HE reached a height of only 20 feet and was soon forced to land, but his achievement marked a milestone in Hampshire aviation history.

Armstrong Drexel made the first powered flight in the New Forest after climbing aboard a monoplane designed by Louis Bleriot, who had recently become the first person to fly across the English Channel.

An exhibition marking the 95th anniversary of Drexel's success was held at the former East Boldre airfield, where the historic flight took place.

An account of the aviator's achievement appeared in the Hampshire Advertiser on May 10, 1910.

"The machine rose about 20 feet for one mile or so but Mr Drexel, finding the oil pipe had snapped, dropped to earth and made a temporary repair which enabled him to make several more short flights," said the newspaper.

"The second aviator to appear was William McArdle, better known as 'Motor Mac' of Bournemouth.

"His monoplane was no sooner out of the shed than it was soaring over the crowd, who shouted with glee.

"Motor Mac rose 50 feet within a hundred yards or so, circling four times round the common.

"The machine was brought to earth in a masterly manner and both aviators received a great oration."

Known as the New Forest Aviation School and described as the finest flying ground in the country, the airfield at East Boldre was used as a training camp by the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War.

The camp closed in 1919 but was still listed as a flying field in the 1930s.

Between 1945 and 1950 the old airfield was used as a parachute dropping zone by the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment, which was based at nearby Beaulieu airfield.

The exhibition was staged by local historian Alan Brown, who was stationed at Beaulieu in the 1940s.