Among the thousands to go was John Hodge, a British engineer born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Kraft later became Nasa’s first flight director, and Hodge succeeded him to become its second, in 1963. Hodge was Houston’s flight director for the Gemini VIII mission of Armstrong and David Scott. The Apollo programme, which had begun in 1961, aimed to fulfil the Kennedy pledge. Hodge, the son of John and Emily Hodge, was educated at Minchenden grammar school in Southgate, north London.

Source: The Guardian May 30, 2021 14:05 UTC