Kings Cup air race 1949

[Gladiator65]

Hi,

Would anyone have a programme or any details on the Kings Cup air race from 1949? It took place at Elmsdon, now Birmingham airport. Two de Havilland Hornets took part, PX286 and PX386 (number 84). I am trying to find the pilots names. I believe PX386 came third overall.

Any help appreciated.

[134brat]

According to Peter Lewis British Racing and Record Breaking Aircraft, (Putnam 1971)Hornet PX386 was crewed by R W Jamieson and G H Pike.
I can look more carefully later but currently preparing dinner for Mrs 134brat

[Gladiator65]

Thank you. I appreciate your quick reply.

[India Four Two]

Hornet PX386 was crewed by R W Jamieson and G H Pike.

The rare two-seat Hornet? :E​​​​​​​

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

I believe that some computer searches throw up PX286 as competing at Elmdon in 1949 at the same time displaying an image of PX386. (PX286 was with Comms Flight at Bovingdon. There are two images of her at Bovvy that can be found on a link on the Bovingdon Thread). When I tried to link PX286 to the King's Cup Air Race in 1949 the only gen I got was for PX386. You might like to do a bit more digging........

Meanwhile here is a link - if you go to the last post therein you will find some details of King's Cup entrants - it seems PX386 was the sole Hornet competing.
https://www.key.aero/forum/historic-aviation/145783-was-a-dh-hornet-prepared-for-air-racing

[134brat]

The rare two-seat Hornet? :E

Presumably two crew available, maybe one on ailerons/elevator and the other doing rudder. 😁

[Gladiator65]

Thanks Ops,
Info on PX286 comes from The Hornet File aircraft histories. Thought it was a bit of a coincidence that 286 and 386 were chosen for the race. Probably a typo. Thanks for the link.