Gloster Javelin Test Pilots

[hm06]

Hello,
I am an author/publisher of history books on experimental aviation. I am now compiling a book on flight testing Gloster Javelin prototypes and early production machines. I need to contact any former Javelin test pilot, project personnel or next of kin, for pictures, flight logs and documents.
I will be grateful for any help.
Henry Matthews
HPM Publications
www.HPMPublications.com (Books)
www.worldx-planes.com (Magazine)

[Yarpy]

The only one I heard of was Air Commodore John Sowrey who, I believe, won the AFC landing a Javelin without the hydraulic system. I do not have a contact but believe he lives in Suffolk. He would be in his mid eighties I think.
Best of luck !

[hm06]

Thank you very much Yarpi.
Bill Waterton aldso got the George Medal for managing to land the first Javelin in one piece and saving the vital data, in 1952.

Cheers

H

[AngloPepper]

Suggest you might try to reach Bernard Noble via his publisher
http://www.oldforgepublishing.org/oldforge.html .
He conducted much of the CA release flying for the later models of Javelin. Moreover, in writing his books he has probably got some great contacts in the wizened TP community.

[Shawn Coyle]

I understand that Jan Zurokowski was one of the company test pilots, and that he left the company because of concerns about their engineering practices. I don't have much beyond a personal conversation with him on the subject - probably more in one of the books on this marvellous gentleman.