I was on the Coastal Command Com Flt stationed at CC HQ at Northwood in 1961 when I went to a dining in night where Sir Fred was the guest of honour. He had just lost the Herald/RAF battle with the HS780 and I seem to remember his speech was rather bitter as it looked like the end for Handley Page. Many years later I flew the Herald out of Gatwick for a short time and was very surprised by it good flying characteristics.