War-time image. Prior to late 1944 when the first hard-standing aprons were laid down. Photo: bovingdon-airfield.co.uk
Late 1940s-early 1950s ?
H.P. Hermes HP Hermes G-ALDE at London Airport prior to Autumn 1954. Photo: J.M. Gradidge Collection with thanks.
Bovingdon circa autumn 1954. G-ALDE parked on the dispersal adjacent to the Chesham Road with Whelpley Ash Farm barn in the background. Photo: bovingdon-airfield.co.uk
G-ALDE was purchased in September 1954 by Eric Rylands - Lancashire Aircraft Corporation - the first of the Hermes later purchased by Rylands in 1955 from BOAC for service with Skyways. I believe that they were first flown to Bovingdon for technical work/ config conversions/ initial crew training before entering service with Skyways at Stansted.
G-ALDE at Heathrow in January 1958.
At Newcastle May 28th 1961. Prior to entering service with Air Safaris in 1961 Eric Rylands had in 1959 converted this aircraft from a 68 pax to 78 pax config and added 3 windows aside fwd of the leading edge.
Air Safaris ceased operating in 1962 and G-ALDE was permanently withdrawn from use. Photograph and gen from the late Ian MacFarlane via Glen Auld with many thanks.
Thunderstreak on the fire dump at Bovingdon in 1958. Any ideas whose tail section is resting behind ?
B-50 48049 at Bovingdon 1950s. Photo the late Arthur Pearcy.
Bovingdon May 1957. Photo: Arthur Pearcy. Canberra of 10 Squadron RAF Scampton. Later served with 15 and 44 squadrons. Note red Speedbird insignia of 10 Squadron on nose and RAF Honington's Rising Pheasant on the fin.
Open Day May 14th 1960. Photo: John Read.
Open Day May 14th 1960.
DH Devon at Bovingdon. Undated image: Arthur Pearcy. This particular aircraft saw long service in various Comms Squadrons such as Western Comms and 207 Squadron at Northolt where it served from 1969 until 1984. I don't know if it was ever based at Bovingdon.
Unknown date and location. Photo: David Whitworth.
At Greenham Common - July 6th 1974. Photo: George Woods.
Waiting for the fire dump at Manston? Date unknown. Photo: Gerrit Kok.