Vintage &

Classic

www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk | Issue 62 | Summer 2018

CAV

The Journal of the Vintage Aircraft Club

In the last eight monthswe have seen changes onthe committee as we said

goodbye to Paul Loveday inMarch. Paul held the roles of Magazine Editor andMembership Officer for manyyears. Many thanks to TimBadham who has stepped upto take on the role as theeditor of Vintage and Classicand congratulations onpreparing this, his first issue,for print. As you will alsoknow by now, Stephanie Gileshas been tirelessly checkingyour payments and all ourpaid-up members should nowhave a shiny new membershipcard in their pockets!Sandy Fage has also decided ,after 24 years of fulfilling theroles of Club Secretary andTreasurer, that it is time tohand over to someone else andwe are really pleased to tell youthat Peter Wright has steppedforward as our new treasurerand is bringing all hisaccounting skills to the club. As you will read, this involveswork in setting up a new wayforward for the club to operateas a club, rather than a limitedcompany. I am very grateful toPeter for all the work he hasput in already to make the clubwork for you!Steve Slater remains as ViceChair but is also taking overfrom Sandy as Club Secretary.The multiple skills Steve has to offer in this respect will bemore than appreciated in theorganisation of the club and atcommittee meetings. Thankyou, Steve!

Looking back through the clubmagazines in our archive, Ifound several photos of Sandyfrom the Finmere Years. Aphoto of the Bull Nose Morrisfeatured in one with Sandy andGraham Churchill ‘about totake a spin around the airfield’!Graham also held severalcommittee positions over manyyears including that of ViceChairman. Sandy has been anactive club member and wasinvolved with the restoration ofthe VAC’s airfield controlcaravan which was in use from1986. Sandy will be missed asshe hangs up her committeehat and it is time to thank herfor all the work she has put into keeping the club going overthe years.You will read about our eventsin the magazine and we arenow planning, not only for theautumn and winter socialevents, but also for next yearwhen the VAC celebrates 55years from those early VAGdays. Please make sure you getall the latest updates throughour e-mail Newsletter. We areadding a little flavour to theAGM in October, not only withcake, but also by celebratingthe RAF 100 by inviting all ofyou who have aircraft in

military colours to join us forthe day. I’m sure many of youwill be pleased to hear that wehave booked the 2019 Dinnerand Awards evening atShuttleworth House again afterthe success of this year’sweekend at Old Warden.More recently we were invitedto participate in AeroExpo atWycombe Air Park. Wedisplayed the VAC banners inHall A along with our leafletsand information board andhad many very interestingconversations with passers by.We would like to welcomethose of you who decided totake out VAC membership atAeroExpo. A good decision andwelcome to the club!The VAC is now regularlyfeatured in variouspublications, including theRAeC quarterly newsletter,Pilot magazine and Flyer. I amalso pleased to tell you that, onyour behalf, I have written tosupport the All PartParliamentary Group bywriting to raise our concernsregarding proposed airspacechanges and to support theAPPG in drawing attention tothe continued use of MODairfields for GA.As the Summer continues Ilook forward to meeting upwith you wherever we gatherand hearing news of youraircraft, sharing memories ofthose early VAC days andhearing what you feel would begood social and flying eventsfor the club. Happy landings! Anne Hughes

VAC Honorary President - D F Ogilvy OBE FRAeS

VAC CommitteeChair Anne Hughes 01280 847014 email bronygraig12@hotmail.comVice Chair and Secretary Steve Slater 01494 786382 email steve.slater@laa.co.ukTreasurer Peter Wright 07966 451763 email goffa47@gmail.comMembership Secretary Stephanie Giles 01789 470061 email captainswall@btinternet.comEvents Anne Hughes as aboveMagazine Editor Tim Badham email tim.badham@btinternet.comSafety Officer Trevor Jarvis email trevjarvis@btinternet.comLiaison John Broad email john.broad85@talktalk.netTrophy Steward Rob Stobo 01993 891226 email robstobo@stonesfield.f9.co.uk Webmaster Mark Fotherby email mark@thirdrocksystems.co.ukMerchandise Cathy Silk email silktigermoth@hotmail.com

General Data ProtectionRegulation In accordance with the new EU directiveconcerning Data Protection, the VAC committeehave put together the VAC policy and set up asub-committee to ensure all updates are made atregular intervals. We are enclosing a copy of thedocument with the magazine and you will alsofind it on our website.

Aim of the VACThe aim of the Vintage Aircraft Club is to providea focal body for owners, pilots and enthusiasts ofvintage and classic aircraft by arranging fly-insand other events for the benefit of its members.The Vintage Aircraft Club is affiliated to the LightAircraft Association and supports the GeneralAviation Awareness Council.

Disclaimer“Vintage and Classic” is the quarterly journal ofthe Vintage Aircraft Club and as such is aprivately produced magazine. The views

contained within its pages do not necessarilyreflect those of the Editor or the Vintage AircraftClub. The magazine is free to members, but£5.00 when purchased separately.

New membersWe welcome the following aboard! Details from Stephanie Wall (MembershipSecretary)● Craig Morris from Hoveton● Trevor Tonkinson from Wolverhampton● Croydon Parry from Clapham● Richard Maxted from York● Alina Sweitochowska from Sywell● Lionel Moon from Esher● Christopher Coomer from Marlow● Charles Sunter from Driffield● Emma Carter and Tim Cooper of Batchmore● Tony Palmer of Hailsham● Max Tams of Christchurch

ContentsFrom the Editor 4VAC Dinner and Awards 5VAC Events (Turweston, Fenland, Duxford) 8The Finmere Years 10New airshow venue 14Breigthton gets Tipsy 16Love affair with a Swallow 18A Swift excursion 20To Czech Republic and back by Belfair 22New bank account details 24‘Airymouse’ returns to the skies 25Book Reviews 26Dates for the Diary 2018/2019 28

Cover photo: Miles Falcon G-AEEG owned by VAC award-winner Shipping & Airlines. Tim Badham

The VAC Committee Chairman’s letter

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Sandy Fage enjoying a ride in GrahamChurchill’s Bull Nose Morris

VAC Committee, Sandy& Graham’s dinner

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When I first joined theV.A.C. back in themid-1970s I could

never have imagined how theClub would blossom and thatnearly forty-five years laterwould still be thriving. This isthe result of much hard work bymany people over the years. Onewho deserves special praise isPaul Loveday, who has beeninvolved in so many aspects,including Committee member,Membership Secretary,Marshaller in Chief andmagazine Editor. Paul hasdecided to retire from some ofthose roles and so it is that I

offered to take over as Editor of“Vintage & Classic”. ThankfullyPaul has agreed to continue withhis reviews of aviation books.Paul is a hard act to follow asEditor and I have a steeplearning curve, but I am sureyou will all help me move

forwards by offering upinteresting input for futureeditions. I see the magazine insome ways as the “glue” whichhelps bind the membershiptogether by sharing news andstories about the Club and ofthe vintage scene. It can also bea tool to encourage newcomersto join in the fun.I hope you like the new layoutand enjoy this my first edition.Copy for inclusion in nextedition should reach the Editorby 2nd September. Tim Badhamtim.badham@btinternet.com

From the Editor

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The splendidsurroundings ofShuttleworth House at

Old Warden certainly made avery special occasion for theVAC a memorable one. Themagnificent setting of theSaloon with chandeliers andantique paintings framing thebeautifully laid tables, wasonly upstaged by the excellentwelcome and service wereceived.Roger “Dodge” Bailey and hiswife Dee were our guests ofhonour as Dodge was later todeliver a fascinating speech onthe life of Richard Shuttleworth.Following his speech “Dodge”presented the VAC Awards tothose award winners who wereable to attend the evening,including Paul Morton,

Michael Miklos and the RealAeroplane Company fromBreighton. There was also anaward for the ShuttleworthCollection’s Sopwith Camelwhich was received by BobRichardson and “Dodge” onbehalf of the Collection. We aregrateful to “Dodge” forarranging for a model of theCamel to be on display in theentrance hall of the house.The evening concluded with aRaffle organised by Geraldine

O’Meara with some very fineprizes including theatre ticketsand a year’s VAC membership!Into the envelopes, which wereused to collect monetarycontributions for the raffle,guests generously deposited atotal of £507.05. We would liketo thank everyone for theirwhole-hearted support and theartistic skills of those whodecorated their envelopes too!Many guests decided toovernight at the house and inthe adjacent Garden Suite. Weawoke to an atmospheric sceneof gentle mist creeping acrossthe gardens towards the house,daffodils dancing in a gentlebreeze and with the sound ofsheep and lambs calling acrossthe fields. Magic? Of course it was!!

VAC Dinner and AwardsAnne Hughes

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Full sized Camel wouldn’t fit in thedining room!

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Having breakfasted we werethen treated to an in depth talkaround the Camel by Bob and“Dodge” who explained theprocess of the build and a firsthand account from “Dodge” ofwhat it must have been like forthe young pilots to fly theaircraft under fire in WorldWar 1. Outside then to hearDavid Bremner talk about“Grandad’s” Bristol Scout andfor a few volunteers to try theirhand at swinging the prop. Wewere then treated to thesounds and smells of theengine run of that beautifulmachine! A moment too toreflect again on those braveyoung men who lost their livesover France and Belgium insimilar machines.These events don’t take placewithout the input of hard-working committee membersover the months preceding theday. In this respect we areindebted to Peter and ChristineWright and the huge amount oftime they put in to organisingthe bookings and timetable forthe dinner, ensuring that theevening ran smoothly. Thankstoo to Rob Stobo, our TrophySteward and Steve Slater foradvice and support for theevening as well as the vote ofthanks. We are grateful toGeraldine O’Meara who tookover from Barbara Rose toorganise the raffle.The staff at Shuttleworth Housecouldn’t have done more tomake our evening and overnightstay more comfortable and, asthis was our first venture to anew venue for the Dinner andAwards in over 30 years, I thinkmany would feel a return visitnext year would be very popular!

VAC AwardsGraham England TrophyFor a young person’sinvolvement in aviation. Forenthusiasm in being a VACmember, his wonderfulphotography and recentlygaining his PPL - MichaelMiklos

VAC Photography ShieldFor aeronautical photography.For his regular contribution to“Vintage & Classic” andwonderful photographs - PaulMorton

Desmond Penrose SilverSalverAwarded at the Committee’sdiscretion for the vintageaeroplane of the year. For theirrestoration to flying conditionof the Sopwith Camel - TheShuttleworth Collection

VAC Group Trophy – AusterJoystickTo the flying group showingnoteworthy achievement - TheReal Aeroplane Company

George Davidson CupTo a VAC pilot or member for

outstanding achievement orcontribution to vintage lightaviation. - Peter Greenyer andTony Habgood of Shipping andAirlines

Dennis Fry CupVAC pilot for consistently goodairmanship. For display in hisAuster AOP6 - Kevin Hale

Allen Clewley Trophy – AvroPlaqueFor noteworthy and regularVAC support and attendance atmany of the VAC rallies. Forher wonderful support withthe sales stall at VAC events,raising an extraordinaryamount of money for Clubfunds - Vron Tanner

Tony Harold MemorialTrophy – PictureFor aero artistic / literaryability. For work as Editor ofthe “Flyer Magazine” - Ed Hicks

Ernie Lingard TrophyTo a VAC committee memberfor particular service orcontribution to the Club. Forhis tireless work editing theVAC magazine, as membershipsecretary and for bookingaircraft in and out of VACmeetings - Paul Loveday

John Edwards Trophy –Comper Swift ModelFor noteworthy contributionsto airfield organisation or flightsafety. For his work as AirTraffic Controller at various airshows including Abingdon andOld Warden - Steve Le Vien

Pietenpol PropFor continuous engineeringsupport. As restorer / owner ofmany Austers, Luton Minors +other rarities at Eggesford -Richard Webber ■

VAC hear about the Camel

Awards day entertainment Scout style!

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Tony Habgood and Peter Greenyer forShipping and Airlines

VAC Events

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“I learnt aboutflying from that...”

The VAC’s informalsafety forum took place at LAA HQ at

Turweston at the end ofMarch. This event was chairedby Air Vice Marshal LindsayIrvine who, through a series of topic headings such asnavigation, passengerdistractions, engine failure in flight, weather relatedincidents, ‘showing off!’ and ‘who is in control?’encouraged members to “spillthe beans” about any episodesthey had been involved in anddiscuss what the particularevent had taught them aboutflying. So keen were membersto share their experiences,including Sir John Allison’stales from RAF days and SteveSlater’s forced landing in hisTipsy Trainer, that we soon ranout of time. We look forward torepeating the forum at the endof the year and giving moremembers the opportunity toshare their stories.

VAC Daffodil Fly-Inat Fenland

After a slow start, owing tomisty conditions, a varietyof aircraft from the

Czechoslovakian Sokol, Chilton,Europa, several RV’s andMicrolights, Pitts, Condor PiperCub and a glider with a Pawneetow-plane, arrived throughoutthe afternoon. David Beale kindlymoved his beautiful Mew Gull

from the hangar to the grass sothe Gull didn’t miss out on all thefun! Over thirty aircraft in total,to the spotters’ delight, withpilots heading for refreshmentsin the café, a ticket on theFenland Aviation Museum’stombola and a bunch of daffodilsfor every pilot to take home.Thank you to all at Fenland andour marshals, Linda and Martin,for hosting the day and parkingthe aircraft. The event is always a‘curtain-raiser’ for the VAC flyingseason and a great opportunityfor club members to meet up.

Spring (not a fly-in)at Turweston andVAC Nostalgia Day

It seemed like a good ideato plan a really interestingground event to support

the first planned fly-in of theyear. It was! A few wet daysresulted in a saturated airfieldand Turweston Flight Centrecancelled the fly-in. However,in the warmth of the LAA HQ’sMembers’ Lounge, and withthe kettle boiling, we wereready to welcome VAC

members by road to ourexhibition of over fifty years ofVAC events. Supporting thiswas a superb exhibition ofaviation archive materialbrought in by RichardChancellor (&Son!) and CathySilk and Vron Tanner arrivedwith a selection of VACmerchandise. We then took theopportunity of belatedlypresenting Vron with the VAC’sAlan Tewley Trophy for all thehard work she puts in tosupporting the VAC.In the mean time Steve Slaterorganised a film show of VACfly-ins from the 70’s and 80’swhich revived many memories.In a wonderfully relaxedatmosphere we enjoyed thememorabilia which arrived forthe day. Arthur Mason provideda selection of “Vintage News”

and his original collection of JoJurd’s cartoons. A furthergenerous contribution ofmagazines was made by ColinThomas and we were thrilled tomeet up with Alan Harfield, theVAC’s Safety Officer from 1983-91. Alan brought a plaque hehad been awarded by the VACfor his work on the committeealong with early magazines andfound himself featured on themovie!. Barbara Rose and Colin Hughes had previouslydonated a collection of PFAmugs which were on display inthe Members’ Lounge.Time passed all too quickly andmany members enjoyed a mealin the Flight Deck Café as wellas our light refreshments. AlanTurney also welcomed visitorsto the hangar, including nineyear old Haydon Chancellor

who climbed into the Sokolwith a very big smile on hisface! It goes without saying thatthese social activities are allimportant to us as a club andhopefully we will see someaeroplanes too next time! Thankyou to everyone who made thisanother memorable day.

Duxford Bonus Day

On what has becomeanother annual eventfor the VAC we were

pleased to see VAC memberstravel to Duxford by road andair at the beginning of June toshare the day with us. AndyButterworth and Peter Wrightsat at the seat of custom in thePilots’ Lounge in the ControlTower which we shared withClassic Wings. This meant thatthe stunning two seat Spitfirewas just below us on theairfield and the sound of theMerlin engine temporarilycaused conversations to cease!It is fairly normal for this VACevent to be a little challengingfor air arrivals, but, as theweather improved, the earlyarrivals became spotters in theControl Tower for “Is thatanother VAC aircraft?!” Amongothers we welcomed theDragonfly from Biggin Hill,Dave Dash’s L4 Cub, MikeVaisy’s C-180, the Beech fromPopham and Mark Miller’slovely Hornet Moth fromAudley End.As always the day passed all tooquickly and thanks are due toall at Duxford who worked tomake this an enjoyable day forthe VAC.What is there not to like abouta day out at one of Britain’sfinest Air Museums?! ■

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Shipping & Airlines brought theirHornet and Dragonfly to theearly season lunch at Sywell

Vron finallycatches up withher award, atTurweston

Nostalgia beats the weather at Turweston

Eagle eyes look out for VAC arrivals

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The Finmere yearsA formative era for the Vintage Aircraft Club

Achequered ControlCaravan stands on theairfield perimeter. Inside

an observer, with an Aldisssignalling lamp, scans the skyfor new arrivals. Nearby a hardrunway, with several aircraftparked alongside its edge,stretches into the distance.Beside one of the airfieldhangars a crowd of aircrew,clad in leather jackets, warmthemselves up drinking mugsof tea. The scene is the WWIIbomber base at Finmere … yetthis is the mid-1980s! Theseare members of the VintageAircraft Club, holding one oftheir fly-ins at their Club “base”!The VAC was closely associatedwith Finmere for almost thirtyyears from the early 1970s. The place-name was evenincorporated into theembroidered Club badge.Those “Finmere years” are nowbut a fond memory, but it wasa formative period for the Club

(prior to 1974 having been theVintage Aircraft Group). So wenow take a look back at howthe VAC came to use Finmereand what made this such aspecial time and place.

Farmers reactivateWWII AirfieldConstructed in 1941, RAFFinmere had three hardrunways set in a patternradiating from the north-westcorner of the site. ThroughoutWWII it was a hive of activitywith operational training of newbomber crews and preparationof ferry crews to deliver aircraftto other theatres of the conflict.The types flown here includedBlenheims, Bostons, Mitchellsand lastly large numbers ofMosquito. After hostilities endedthe area reverted to agriculturaluse. The control towersuccumbed to dereliction, butone remaining hangar was

adapted into a mill used byMidland Shires Farmers.This though wasn’t the end offlying here. Large sections ofthe airfield, including part ofone runway, were bought byfarmer Bill Knapton. He andhis wife Pru set up home in“Aerodrome Farm” on theperimeter of the site. Bill was an avid flyer having

bought Piper Cub G-AIIH in1951. He initially operated thatfrom a strip at Lower Heyford,where he managed a farm.When Bill later took overFinmere and began to also usethis as a base for flying, someof his flying farming friendsbegan to visit. Several wereinvolved with the vintageaircraft scene. So it was thatBill and Pru came to permitthe free use of Finmere formeetings and events. Billbecame a VAC committeemember then was ViceChairman for many years. Billand Pru’s generosity provided

a stable base for activitieswhere members from all overthe country could meet andthe Club went from strength to strength.A small barn was used tohouse a few resident aircraftand another housed Bill’s ownaeroplane. By 1975 Bill ownedSuper Cub G-APZK. Heobtained this from his friendJack Benson who took on Bill’sold Cub G-AIIH in exchange.One of the interesting aircraftkept at Finmere was Moth G-ABAG. Found languishing ina Scottish barn, it was roadedto Finmere by Douglas Hull in1974 for restoration. The Mothwas later flown by Douglas atsome meetings. Later it wasstored at Finmere with wingsfolded, until passed toShuttleworth after Douglaspassed away.

VAC takes rootDuring most VAC meetings atFinmere, resident aircraft werepushed out of the hangar tomake room for trestle tablesreplete with refreshments andtea urns. Bales of hay were put into use as seating and pin-boards were propped up to display Club notices,photographs and news ofprojects.On the day of each fly-inessential facilities were set out,including a signals square,windsock, control van andsafety equipment. Cones andrope were used to definepedestrian and vehicle parkingzones. This was done by an adhoc group of members -mostly non-pilots who enjoyedbeing able to contribute in thisway. Many tasks weremundane but the upside wasthe chance to sometimes beinvited to fly as a passenger inan interesting old aeroplane. Before being allowed to helpout with aeroplanes volunteershad to receive coaching. Soinstruction days were set updealing with aircraft groundhandling, marshalling,strapping in, prop swingingand emergency procedures.

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A typical fly-in line up, with the old WWII control tower in the background.

Maurice Brett takes another member for a ride in the JackarooD

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In those days, before the web,email and social media, newsabout planned events wasshared by duplicated sheetssent by post. In the 1970s, Clubmembership stood at about170 people and a typical meetingmight involve only about 20aeroplanes. A welcoming andinformal atmosphere pervadedthose gatherings. If needed Bill used to mowadditional runways on a coupleof fields provided they weren’tin use for livestock. It wascommon to see visitingaeroplanes parked adjacent tothe hard runway while otherswere in the adjacent fields. Part of the old WWII airfieldoutside of Bill’s domain beganto be used as a Sunday Market.When this was in progresspilots were instructed to avoidoverflying that area. Themarket was popular, especiallywith families of personnelfrom Upper Heyford. OneUSAF pilot who noticed theVAC activity at Finmere wasChet Parham who became amember. He owned anAeronca which he had air-freighted to the U.K. WhenChet returned Stateside hisAeronca was bought by localfarmer David Harper. Afterregistering it as G-BFAF hebased it at Finmere. Davidbecame Rally Secretary, andlater Chairman. Over the yearshe generously gave flightexperiences to dozens ofmembers.Some other pilots wereparticularly notable forencouraging interest in oldaeroplanes and takingenthusiasts aloft. It’simpossible to list them all butMaurice Brett in particular

deserves mention. Wheneverhe brought Jackaroo G-AOIR toevents at Finmere, or othervenues such as Boston, hewould make a constant streamof flights, often well into theevening, sharing his love offlying with thrilled passengers. During 1973 Arthur Mason wasvisiting the Sunday Market andnoticed Auster G-AMTM (thenowned by Rob Stobo and AllanClewley) and other aircraftactive at the other end ofFinmere. He strolled over andwas invited to becomeinvolved, so began to come tofly-ins. After helping out oneday he was amazed whenasked: “Have you had your

flight today?” Soon he was aloftin Alan Chalkley’s Cub G-ASPS.Arthur subsequently learnt tofly, built his own Pietenpol,later served on the Committee,including stints as SocialSecretary, and remains anactive member. Alan Chalkley is a formerfighter pilot and airlinecaptain. As well as the Cub healso owned Comper Swift G-ACTF and was very activelyinvolved with the VAC for manyyears. In a recent edition of“Light Aviation” he revealed hisfavourite recreational aviationmoments were: “during VACSummer Camps when … we’dgive enthusiastic youngsters

flights in the Cub…”.A holiday caravan was boughtand set up by the hangars foruse as a “clubhouse”. It wascommon to come acrossfascinating characters whilesitting in there. For example,one day the pilot of a visitingAiredale was inside chattingabout MoGas trials. Ittranspired that this was therenowned Dick Stratton …once Chief Engineer on the mighty SARO Princessflying boat!

Events galoreThe environment at Finmerewas especially family friendly.Some activities wereintroduced to help encouragenon-fliers to enjoy the day.There was a challengeintroduced inviting onlookersto gauge the speed and heightof a fly-by with a bottle of wineas a prize. Camping events were held atWhitsun and in the Summer.They often includedimpromptu entertainment andstory-telling well into the night.As well as Finmere, manycamps were also held at LongMountain (Welshpool) and alsoat Boston, where founder VACmember Ernie Lingard kept

his Tipsy Trainer G-AFVN. The VAC calendar evolved intoa regular series of annualhappenings more than halfhosted at Finmere. For hardysouls the first in the annualcalendar was the SnowballRally in January, followed bythe Valentine Rally the nextmonth, then other themedgatherings through the year -apart from periods of the yearwhen farming tasks tookpriority. In Spring the DaffodilRally included an EasterBonnet competition! “Breakfast patrols” wereorganised, with free foodoffered to pilots who managedto get within one mile of thefield without being identifiedfrom patrolling based aircraft.The “Gemini Patrol” enabledphotographer members andpilots the chance to organiseair to air sessions. The resultswere then put on show at latermeetings or entered into theClub’s photographiccompetition. Piloting skills were put to thetest with eagerly contestedtimed circuits and spot-landingcompetitions. Sometimes thesewere hosted at other airfieldsduring away days at suchplaces as Shotteswell and Old

Warden. Fly-outs were alsoenjoyed to strips such as ColinMason’s Marsh Farm atKimble. Several members kepttheir aircraft there, includingAlan Hartfield who owned DartKitten G-AEXT. As a result ofinvitations to the VAC,members also venturedfurther afield to manylocations, including events atDuxford when it was ratherlower key than today. One day a few membersbrought along old tractors anda couple of vintage cars toFinmere instead of theiraircraft. This evolved into anannual Vintage Car Day withcharity stalls, steam engines, awide variety of vintage andmilitary vehicles plus lots ofinteresting aircraft. As a climaxa selection of cars was paradedon the runway while aformation of aircraft overflew. When Arthur Mason becameSocial Secretary he recogniseda need for evening socialgatherings for members andpartners. “Noggin and Natter”sessions in local pubs provedvery popular. From thisspawned film nights, plus anannual Club dinner andawards night, a traditioncontinued to this day.

Colin Mason about to board his Beagle Terrier

This Isaacs Spitfire mirrored the colours once worn by Rolls-Royce’s civil Spitfire

Mike Stow flew some exotic types into Finmere including his Provost

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As some members worked inthe military, road visits cameabout to places such as the RAFMuseum workshops then atCardington, guided tours andsteak dinners at USAF UpperHeyford to look over their F-111 operations and a tour ofRAF Halton to hear about thetrades taught there. It wasfrom Halton that the VACobtained a proper runway-control caravan to replace abattered old vehicle that hadpreviously been used by theclub as a control centre. Thisex-military control caravanwas towed to Finmere where itwas restored by volunteers toits former glory. In 1986 it wasput to use and served the Clubwell for many years, untileventually being relocated toPopham. In the 1970s/80s there werefewer clubs dedicated solely tospecific types of aircraft and sothe inclusive VAC events alwaysattracted a wide variety ofinteresting aircraft. Restorersand importers of classics tookopportunity to debut theirlatest projects at Finmere.Once the Sopwith Tabloidreplica built by Don Cashmoreand now in the RAF Museummade a very rare visit. Onanother occasion Cliff Lovellbrought in the Metal Mothwhich later became a moviestar in “Out of Africa”. PatrickLindsay brought in his FieslerStorch and Mike Stow flew inthe rare Viima. Cathy Silksometimes arrived in a RyanPT-22. European member EmilRollins even flew his AeroncaChief from Switzerland toattend some events. A few VAC members wereinvolved with the World of

display flying. Tony Harold whowas also a VAC Chairman, usedto display replica WWI aircraftat air-shows. He usually cameto Finmere in well knownTiger Moth G-ANFM. Hefrequently demonstratedaerobatics over the field muchto the delight of onlookers. Inhis day job Tony was a fine artexpert with the RAF Museumand was a brilliant painterhimself. Another VAC characterwith artistic skill was Jo Jurd, acartoonist whose amusingdepictions of members’ anticsalways went down well in theClub magazine. The range oftalent amongst the membership

was incredible. John Stainer,once Club Chairman, whoowned a much travelled Cessna140 and played with Acker Bilk’sJazz Band! As word spread about thefriendly VAC events, far largernumbers of visitors began tovisit. They became so popularthat by 1983 one gatheringattracted 230 aircraft. It wasinevitable that the relaxedcharm of earlier times had togive way to more stringentcontrols and formalorganisation. So it was that aregular team of marshallerswas formed and led by PaulLoveday and assistance

sometimes also offered bymembers of his ATC unit.

End of an eraSadly Bill passed away in 1993but his widow Pru generouslyallowed the VAC to continueusing Finmere. So why is theVAC no longer at Finmere? In1998 a bye-pass around thenearby village of Tingwick wasopened, unfortunatelyencroaching on the field nextto the runway and this alsomade access by road to theairfield more difficult. Sadly in2001 Pru also passed away. Theland went into new ownershipand so the VAC began insteadto use Turweston. Perhaps welook back on that era with rosetinted spectacles, but thosefrequent relaxed gatheringsinvolving so many peopledevoted to having fun with oldaeroplanes were rather special. The Club had so manyinteresting characters, hardworking officials andvolunteers during those yearsthat it would be impossible tomention all of them or dojustice to their contributions ina piece such as this. Hopefullywe can redress that in futureby featuring some of thepersonalities involved and alsotake a look at activities heldaway from Finmere in thatperiod. Suffice to say, were itnot for the enthusiasm andencouragement shown backthen the VAC would never havedeveloped into what it is today. The Editor would like to thankall those who helped with thepreparation of these Finmerereminiscences, especially:Arthur Mason, David Phillips,Alf Jenks and Paul Singleton. ■

This Jungmeister and Viima pair visited between display and filming commitments

Stalwart visitors in the early 1970s. The Taylorcraftwas owned by VAC Chair Carl Butler.

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We have become usedto hearing aboutrestrictions and

costs reducing the number ofair-show venues in the UK overthe past few years. It wasreassuring then to hear that acompletely new event, theMidlands Air Festival, wasplanned for this year to be heldin the grounds of historicRagley Hall near Alcester inWarwickshire. Good news forfans of vintage and classicaircraft was that the showwould include an interestingmix of aircraft including lightaircraft plus warbirds such asthe Thunderbolt and Catalina. The venue was set up to enablethe public to enjoy a three dayevent in May. Fortunately theweather gods were in a goodmood and the show was wellreceived. Most display aircraftflew from nearby airfields suchas Coventry, but the organiserseven created a short landingstrip in the grounds enabling afew of the display aircraft andsome static exhibits to fly in.

This is believed to be the first time aeroplanes havelanded here.Not content with just daytimeactivity one evening offeredaerobatic aircraft kitted outwith computer-controlled lightsand pyrotechnics and this wasfollowed by a night-glow bytethered hot air balloons! Amongst the most colourfuldisplay items at the event werethe Turbulent team and theStampe Formation Displayteam from Headcorn. Wellknown display pilot and retiredBA Captain, Bob Grimstead,brought in his classic 1968-built Fournier RF-4D. He canbe seen boarding his steed inone of Michael’s photo. Let’s hope this Festivalbecomes a regular feature. ■

New air-show venueproves a success

Bob Grimstead with his displaymount the Fournier RF-4D

Two of the Stampe Formation Teamtaxi across Hagley Hall’s turf

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Breighton gets Tipsy!

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Tipsy Junior G-AMVP hasbeen delivered fromBembridge via Sywell to

Breighton - hopefully the pilothas now thawed out! This joinsthe amazing collection ofclassics based at this delightfulNorth Yorkshire airfield, homeof the Real Aeroplane Company(who were amongst the winnersat this years VAC awardsceremony). The Junior is adiminutive all wood singleseater designed by E.O.Tipsand constructed in Belgium byAvions Fairey during the 1940s.Only two were completed. In1952 G-AMVP was placed onthe British register when thetype was being promoted in theU.K. by the Fairey Aviation Co.This aeroplane’s most unusualmoment came in 1957 whentheir chief test pilot Peter Twisslanded the Junior on the deck ofthe aircraft carrier “Ark Royal”!Other recent arrivals atBreighton have included

a Super Cruiser and DH.60GGipsy Moth G-AAHI. The busy diary of events herealways attracts interestingvisiting aircraft. A Focke-WulfFw44 Stieglitz now based atBagby recently made anappearance, as did a pair ofaircraft which won the KingsCup Air Race in successiveyears. 1953 winner ChipmunkG-AKDN joined 1954 winner

Messenger G-AKBO here for aphoto shoot. Breighton goes from strengthto strength and construction ofadditional hangarage proceedsapace. Andy Wood, who tookour Breighton pictures,explained that these hangarswill be used by private ownersof classic / vintage / home-buildtype aircraft. We await furthernews with interest. ■

A new addition arrives to join the airfield’s amazingcollection of classic aircraft

Ken Large and Nick Lee with the Kings Cup winners

The Tipsy arrives

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Love affair with a Swallow

How a rare 1930s monoplane, which had a most unusual role during World War II, became a cherished survivor now kept at Shobdon,Herefordshire. Dave Edwards

How it all beganI first came across BA SwallowL25c G-AFGD, in 1981 when Iwas a spotty little instructor atthe Herefordshire Aero Club atShobdon Airfield. Alwaysattracted to anything old withan engine, this old bus drewme in like a magnet and I wassoon pestering the owners/restorers for the story behindan aircraft I had barely heardof. Turns out she had quite astory to tell.Built in 1937 by British Aircraft atHanworth Aerodrome (LondonAir Park), she was the 69thmachine off the production lineand had a Pobjoy Cataract sevencylinder radial engine fitted (youcould also specify an inlineBlackburn Cirrus). Sold new tothe Cardiff Aero Club, then at

Pengam Moor airfield, she waspainted in their colours of redfuselage with white wings, whichare the colours she carries today.By 1939 she was based atWitney Airfield near Oxford,where notable pilots such asMary Ellis flew her in thetraining role, indeed Mary,who remembers the aircraftwith affection, had her lastflight in peacetime in 'GD onthe day before war broke out.

Swallow shows the wayThere the story of 'GD mighthave ended, like so many otherprivate aeroplanes of woodenconstruction, doomed to rot as'instructional airframes', usedfor the vital task of trainingaircraft engineers, but

fortunately that was not thecase here. Winston Churchillwas very concerned that theGermans knew how to towgliders with aircraft and wedidn't, so he ordered thatglider pilots and instructors betrained as a priority, in order tobuild up a large airborne forceas quickly as possible. This wasnot feasible at the time, becausewe had hardly any two seatgliders. The powers that be,not wishing to incur the wrathof the great man, decided thatthe Swallow, with it's 42'8"wingspan, would make a goodalternative, so five Swallows,including 'GD, were impressedinto service, sent toFarnborough, where their propswere removed, hooks attachedto their leading edges and theywere towed aloft behind time

expired Whitley bombers.Having figured out the basics, aCentral Landing Ground wasset up at RAF Ringway, home ofthe Central Parachute School,where 'GD, by now BK897, didstirling work for the war effort.Though a good idea in theoryto have all airborne training atone site, in practice the twoforms of delivering troops intobattle didn't really mix, so analternative sight was found atHaddenham (RAF Thame),near Aylesbury. We believe 'GDwas the only Swallow to be senthere, because by now Hotspurgliders were coming on line.Haddenham was only just bigenough for them, but trainingcontinued until the first,purpose built glider trainingfield was opened, at Shobdon!Sadly, 'GD was disposed of,

surplus to requirements, acouple of months before themove to Shobdon took place.She then languished in a barnon an old airfield outsideExeter, until acquired by "theSwallow boys", John, Charlieand Alf, in 1974, still painted inwhat remained of thecamouflage and RAF roundelsapplied during the war.

A bright newfuture dawnsOver the next six years theteam made a fantastic job ofrestoring 'GD to her formerglory, and being Welsh, had nohesitation in putting her backinto Cardiff Aero Club colours.The shake-down flights atShobdon from 1981 went well,John was the pilot, Charlie the

engine man and Alf wasairframe. They were goodenough to take many peopleflying, including LadyTreharne, who learnt to fly in'GD at Cardiff in 1938, Bill"Dambuster" Townsend, theSkipper of 'O' Orange, the lastLanc back from the dams raid,and me. I loved the old thing,so much so, that when Johnsadly died in 1998, the familykindly let me buy his share. It was a similar outcome whenCharlie and Alf departed thismortal coil, the families werevery supportive and comeregularly to see 'GD.I've been very lucky in buildingup a team of enthusiasts whocome every Saturday to workon 'GD, basically I break it andthey mend it. They have nofaith in pilots at all, while it's onthe ground it's their aeroplane,but as soon as they let go of thewing, they can mutter all theylike, but then it's mine.We are hopefully coming to theend of various major workswhich have taken longer thanwe would have liked, but wehave two other old birds tolook after as well. I was puttinga last coat of paint on a wingjoint cover today and thatshould be one of the final jobsbefore we get a permit to test,then at last the old thing canonce more take to the skieswhere she belongs. ■

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Shobdon Historic Aircraft Club team unfurl the wings

The Swallow emerges at Heavitreeafter years of storage.

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It is quite some achievementto produce a perfectreplica of an iconic 1930s

aircraft, but to do so singlehandedly is a labour of love.On June 22nd the uniquesound of a Pobjoy Cataractradial over Turwestonattracted attention. To thedelight of everyone there, this heralded the arrival ofComper Swift G-ECTF. Thiswas its first trip away from itsbase at nearby Hinton-in-theHedges. It had been flown overby its owner Phil Cozens whospent 17 years building thisincredible aircraft. The engineis an original, once fitted toSwift G-ABUU and prior to thatfitted to a B.A. Swallow. Theaircraft has a new Herculespropeller but Phil constructedeverything else, even theexhaust system. The original CLA.7 Swift highperformance single-seaterdesign was conceived and built

by a company set up byNicholas Comper at HootonPark. 41 were constructedduring a 4 year period from1930 and many of these sawuse abroad. The airframe iscompact with a wingspan of24ft and the wings can befolded. The Pobjoy enginesfitted to most Swifts were alsoproduced at Hooton Park.

The type was involved in a longdistance flights and air racing –indeed some examples werestill being raced in the early1960s! Several originals surviveincluding examples inArgentina, Australia and Spain.A handful of originals alsoremain in the U.K. most instore, but the sole airworthyexample of those is G-ACTF,

once owned by V.A.C. stalwartAlan Chalkley but now with theShuttleworth Trust.

A beautiful blue colouredreplica is also airworthy atBreighton – built by the lateJohn Greenland. Many yearsafter the Comper companywent out of business anincomplete set of plans wasdiscovered in someone’s loft.This discovery helped enablethe creation of the two replicasmentioned, but much

additional research and work had to be done by each of the builders to overcomemissing data. The Swift makes an impressivesight in the air – when it wasfirst flown with a Pobjoypowerplant in the 1930s itsperformance neared that ofsome contemporary fighters!We are very fortunate to beable to witness one originaland the two stunning replicasflying in the UK. Maybe one dayall three might be seen at thesame event – wouldn’t that besomething? ■

A Swift excursion

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Swift Replica G-ECTF at TurwestonOwner / builder Phil Cozens

The structure includes a surprisingamount of complex metalwork. This isSwift VH-UVC when being restored inNew Zealand.

Pobjoy Cataract III powerplant

Snug cockpit!

The wing fold seen here on theBreighton replica Swift

Swift departing to HintonFormer VAC Committee member Alan Chalkleyflying his Swift during a VAC event in June 1982

To Czech Republic andback by Belfair!

David Beale shares his experience of visiting theCzech Republic in his Tipsy Belfair G-APIE. Basedon the pre-war Tipsy B, this cabin monoplane isone of a handful of Belfairs completed in the1950s. Three British examples were active then,novelly sporting “culinary” registrations G-APIE,‘POD and ‘OXO!

The trip is hatchedA couple of years ago I started toexchange e-mails and met JanKárník from Czech Republicover Walter Mikron engines,spares and possible futuredevelopment of the Mk3 engine.My interest is mainly the Mk2 asfitted to my Tipsy Belfair andTipsy Trainers several of which Ihave overhauled and broughtback to virtual zero time, thoughthe stock of recoverable parts isgetting much reduced.Earlier last year he invited me tocome over and so was hatchedthe plan to fly my Tipsy G-APIEand the 1938 Walter Mikron back

to the country of its manufacturefor the first time since it wasshipped to Fairy Aviation inBelgium.Like Martin Ferrid, who writes inthe LAA magazine encouragingpeople to fly to Europe, I am notnew to crossing La Manche atthe Pas de Calais and have flownin Europe virtually every year forpast 20 or so since I have ownedthe Belfair, but I have learnt thatplanning a trip with tight timelimits has a high probability ofnot going to plan as the weatherrarely plays fair. Jan suggested aweekend at the beginning ofAugust to coincide with the“Secret Airshow” at his local

airfield. So that was the targetdate now to find out who wouldlike to come so I circulatedfriends who have joined me onmy jaunts in the past to see ifthere was any interest. Quite afew said yes but gradually theyfell by the wayside as othercommitments andunserviceability of plane or crewforced them to drop out. The plan was to be flexible ondeparture and return dates tomaximise the weather windowsand to allow us to explore someof Germany and France on theway which is fine for those of uswho are retired but not so forMartin who had work

commitments. The plan was toleave any time from the Tuesdayto the Thursday to get toPilsen/Line for the Saturday air-show. The formation was to bethree planes. Edmund Comberin his Jabiru that had just beenfitted with a new engine as hisoriginal had reached TBOleaving him only a couple ofweeks to bed it in and clock up20 or so hours before the trip.Not a hardship as the plane hadbeen out of the air for best partof a year so he had some flying tocatch up with. Martin Ferrid hadproblems with his engine in hisSport Cruiser so he planned tocome in the ever faithful Jodel.My mount was my Tipsy whichwas running well but might soonbe needing a top end overhauldue to slightly increasing oilconsumption, though still wellwithin specification (thoughdespite the heat on trip it wasfine so still on my to do list).

We’re offThe week before we startedlooking at the weather trying todecide on which day to leave buteach day the forecasts changeduntil finally on Monday it lookedlike we had a window ofopportunity on Wednesday,

though unfortunately Martin hadto work and could not leave untilThursday so would catch us up.A final check on Wednesday andEdmund and I agreed we wouldneed a reasonably early start onWednesday to get into Francebefore the weather sweepingeast along the south coast wouldstop us. Edmund called me at7:30 at his strip to make sure Iwas ready to go at mine and weagreed to meet overheadWitchford at 8:15, flight-planactivated we formed up in looseformation and headed off forEarls Colne in better thanexpected weather, clearedthrough Southend with Edmunddoing the radio and using hisnewly fitted Mode S transponder.Routing via Sheerness we setcourse across Kent direct toCalais. We had agreed an 85-90ktcruise but not to form up as abattle pair in tight formation askeeping in formation in bumpyconditions is hard enough to dowith two identical aircraft andeven harder with planes havingvery different wing loadings andpower. In thermals the Tipsysoars and it is easy to add 5-10 ktson the cruise surfing thethermals so keeping pace withthe higher wing loading and

more powerful Jabiru, with itsnew engine, but it is easy to hitsink and when trying to climbthe gap opens up. With no “chat”frequency it is easy to lose sightof each other but no problem asoften we fly with others andmuch wider performancedifferences, each at their ownchosen height and speeds tomeet up at the designatedairfield at about the same time.Little planes, especially a smallwhite one might only be a fewmiles apart but are hard if notimpossible to see when goingsame direction at same height.None of us are in a race and itusually works out we arrivenicely spaced for landing.

FranceCalais was deserted and no ATCso we had to practice our Frenchblind calls. Landing in turn after1hr 50 we closed flight plans byphoning as were not sure the SkyDemon app would do so in timeto stop the authorities startingover due action, especially as theSky Demon flight plan assumestake off and set course, not as Ialways do climb over head setengine to cruise and then setcourse so adding 10 mins to thestart and overhead joins circuitsand landing adding 5-10 mins atthe end taking us close to thetime limits. Must suggest to SkyDemon a change as tweaking thespeed to compensate is not ideal.Landing fees and fuel paid whichseemed to take the lady on thedesk an age we decided to skipcoffee and head off to our nextstop of Reims as we could see the forecast rain and clagapproaching fast. Luckily GAPIEstarted first blade with a luke-warm engine and we were off inan increasing wind that was

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David landing his Belfair at a UK event.

straight down the runway. Manyyears previously we had bothcalled into Calais to clearcustoms and refuel home boundwhen GAPIE was caught by the30kt wind as we tried to leaveand tipped on her nosedestroying the unique Fairy Reidprop and Edmund had to ferryme home hopefully my lessonlearned and a reason many likethe wheel at the front. She nowhas a Newton copy of the originalHorden Richmond prop thatworks well but it is not asefficient as the very thin sectionFairy Reid losing 5kt on speedand 100 ft/min climb but Icannot complain at performancethat 50bhp at take-off and climbgives and a 90kt cruise on 13l/hreven fully loaded. This time weheaded on course and keepingeach other in sight met a fewspots of rain that continued untiljust past Laon when we brokeout into perfect flying weather. What has happened to the past

glories of many of the Frenchairfields. We landed 2 hrs later intime for lunch at Reims butfound restaurant closed up andthe place nearly abandoned.Luckily the club room was openand Edmund had packed somesandwiches for us to sharewhilst I had snack bars forsimilar eventualities destined tobe used on way home. Just after14:00 local the firemen/re-fuellerand taker of landing fees arrivedwith a smile and in short timehad us topped up and relievedus of payment and on our way toa planned over-night stop atSedan (Douzy) 45 mins away.One rule I made to myself whentouring in Europe is if there isfuel available and room in thetank top up even if it will onlytake a few litres as often there isself-service fuel but only if youhave a French Air-Total card.Why Total cannot accept creditor debit cards beats me and myattempts at obtaining an Air-Total

card have always hit a brick wallwith no French bank account oraddress. Luckily there weresome people working in one ofthe hangers and in my schoolboy French I managed to ask ifthey could serve us fuel for cash.Topped up we asked where to tiedown, they pointed at the grassopposite the pump and offeredto take us the short hop to thelocal hotel when we were ready.The place was nearly empty butwe were soon settled in and offfor a well-earned beer across thesquare, having decided to bookdinner in the hotel. This was notthe luxury of Sedan Castle from aprevious visit but clean, low costand 10 minutes stroll thefollowing day back to the planes.

Part 2 will in the next issue willsee David into Germany andonwards.

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VAC New Bank Account –Important News for YouWe are re-organising our banking arrangements to make things easier for you. We are no longer usingthe account set up for Vintage Aircraft Club Ltd and from 1st July 2018 you will need to advise yourbank if you pay by Standing Order for your membership and cancel the present arrangement with thataccount. We are enclosing a form for you in this magazine, there is also one on our website or you canuse the following bank details to set up your standing order to ensure your membership renewals:

Bank: Lloyds Bank plc, Ashford (309028) BranchAccount name: Vintage Aircraft ClubAccount number: 73453760Sort Code: 30-90-28

Membership fees are £25.00 and due on 1st April each year.

AdvertisementsIf you wish to place an advertisement for your company or organisation the rate is £30 per edition for 1⁄6page. Contact the Editor for details.

‘Airymouse’, the CurrieWot built in 1957 forthe Hampshire

Aeroplane Club by Joe Currieand John Isaacs, and thesubject of the book of the samename, made its return to theskies at the end of March in thehands of LAA test pilot JezCooke. In addition to hisexperience as a test and displaypilot, Jez was a perfect choice.It had been reading HaraldPenrose’s book at the age ofeleven that triggered hispassion for flying and vintageaircraft.Airymouse’s new owner Steve

Slater acquired the aircraft atthe end of 2017, after it hadbeen in storage for more thanfour years. Steve, with fellowVAC members Alan Turney andArthur Mason recovered theaircraft to Turweston where itwas returned to flyable

condition. Steve was delightedto report that Jez returnedwith his preconceptions of theaircraft undimmed, to such anextent that the initial flight test

was rapidly followed by twoothers the same day and Steveis now enjoying summer flyingwith the aircraft from its newhome at Bicester. ■

‘Airymouse’ returnsto the skiesSteve Slater

Steve Slater

Steve Slater

First sortie sorted!

Arthur and Alan dismantlein the dust!

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designs that never left thedesigner’s drawing board.The subsequent developmentfor both civilian and militaryuse is covered along with anassessment of what could bethe future of the aircraft. The development of theextremely capable fire-fightingis also covered.The book is well writtencovering as it does a branch ofaviation not generally covered.It is well illustrated withphotographs, both in black andwhite and colour includingsome of the latest types.Paul Loveday

Published by Amberley BooksISBN 978-1-4456-5041-8Author David OliverSoft Back £14.99This book covers the Harrierfrom its inception as the 1127 and then Kestrel up to its final versions of GR.9A forthe RAF and AV-8B for the US Marine Corps.Being the first VTOL aircraftit’s development from tetheredflight, from control in thehover in the prototype to what was required for fully

controlled flight in the latestversions is explainedthroughout the book. As arethe reasons for the two-seattrainer for the RAF and RN. The employment in its originalrole in Germany during thecold war to that of the Harrierand Sea Harrier in conflictfrom its little-known use inBelize through to the action in The Falklands, and its use in the desert is covered withsome first-hand accountsincluded. The development of theaircraft in conjunction with McDonnell Douglas resulting inwhat was basically a newaircraft shows just how

technology increased itscapability. The use of theaircraft by the US MarineCorps up to the present day,along with the sales to Spain,India, and Italy. The withdrawal in 2011, somewould say, far too early, inpreparation for the F.35BLightning has meant that amodified Harrier T.4 has beenused in trials to improve thataircraft’s stability.The history of the aircraft isextremely well covered, andthe text is accompanied by anexcellent series of photographsportraying the aircraft in all its roles. Paul Loveday

Published by Amberley BooksISBN 978-1-4456-7149-9Author Dennis NewtonSoft Back Price £16.99For anyone who is interested inthe role of the RAF in the secondworld war and especially in the Battle of Britain this book is a must.This is the life story of one ofthe few who lost his life duringthe battle having become oneof the top scoring aces of thetime. In doing so it reveals theconditions new recruits had to face.This book also provides aninsight into the recruitment of pilots from the BritishDominions such as Australiafrom where Pat Hughestravelled to the UK andtransferred into the RAF. Themethods used to recruit thesemen, and the resultant politicalwrangling between therelevant governments.

It describes the highs and lowsof the battles, the struggle toprepare for the approachingwar with the lack of bothaeroplanes and pilots. Theformation of squadrons andtheir distribution around thecountry is also covered. The book contains many first-hand accounts of the battlesfought in the skies overEngland and the stories of thebattle concluding with thedeath of Hughes. There weremany versions of how he methis death and the examinationof the circumstances result inwhat is believed to be thecorrect one. The chapter entitled‘Afterwards’ makes forinteresting reading describingthe events following thenotification of his death to hisfamily back in Australia.Something this reviewer hasnot come across before.The book is well illustratedwith both photographs in blackand white and colour andsome line drawings.A first-rate book concerningone of the less well-known acesof the Battle of Britain, whichbrings home what it must havebeen like for those young menat that time.Paul Loveday

Published by Amberley BooksISBN 978-1-4456-4613-8Author David OliverSoft Back Price £14.99Flying boats were once seen tobe the answer to providing airtravel without the need forfixed runways, something thatafter WW 2 progress overtook,and their use declined.The development of theseaircraft was in the main left tothe military, the UK onlyproducing one military typefrom Saunders Roe which wasnot a successful venture.The United States and theSoviet Union military providingthe thrust of development forthese craft, using pure jetengines. Subsequently the useof turboprop engines becamethe dominating engine type incertain roles. This book gives an insight intothe reasons for flying boatsfrom the end of the war.Reference is also made to those

Book Reviews

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Dates for the diary 2018 / 20192018Saturday 8th September – Autumn Fly-In at Turweston Aerodrome with VAC ground event.Sunday 9th September - VAC invited to Rougham Airfield for RCTAM 26th anniversarySaturday 13th October – VAC AGM at Wellesbourne. Refreshments. To celebrate RAF 100 we areinviting all VAC aircraft in military colours to join us.Sunday 28th October – VAC All Hallows Fly-In at Turweston Aerodrome. With ground event: spookystories, flying superstitions and airfield ghostly encounters!.November (TBA) – VAC visit to Uxbridge Bunker.December (TBA) – VAC Safety Day - “I learnt about flying from that…” Part 2. LAA HQ at Turweston.

2019Wednesday 16th January – VAC Poetry and Nostalgia Evening – White WalthamFebruary – VAC Early Spring Lunch – SywellSaturday 2nd March – VAC visit to RAF Signals Station – HenlowSaturday 6th April – VAC Dinner and Awards Evening at Shuttleworth (more details later)Saturday 13th April – VAC Daffodil Fly-in – Fenland

Further details about the Club, contacts and events can be found on the Vintage Aircraft Club websitewww.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk

Vintage Aircraft Clubc/o Light Aircraft Association Turweston Aerodrome, near Brackley, Northants., NN13 5YD

Mich

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Nord at Bicester scramble