The Rotary Nostalgia Thread
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G-AXXD joins the river police
I don’t remember the date – August 73 or 74, but Ted Heath certainly arrived at Battersea while we were sloshing about in the mud – but he left office in March 1974, so...
Whatever the date, it was a warm and calm summer morning. The aircraft was a H269A – the type with lollysticks for tail rotor blades. The police comms gear in those days was about half the size of a tea chest and looked heavy. There were only a few policemen in the observers job, and this morning they definitely sent the largest they had.
Battersea in those days was about half its present size. This often meant that there was a certain amount of overflying of parked aircraft. That morning the police aircraft had to lift itself, a pilot, full fuel, a large policeman and all that radio gear over a parked 206. All on that warm and calm morning.
I was able to watch the ensuing drama from a safe distance – the poor little 269 wound itself up into a frenzy of noise and leapt into the air, clearing the 206 by plenty. Then came the sorry sound of engine and rotor rpm slowing down. Yawing and descending it disappeared from view towards the river bed – some 15 feet lower than the platform, shortly followed by silence and what looked like a couple of bucketfuls of water thrown up in the air like you see on comedy sketch shows.
The crash alarm went off, but we were already running. When we peered over the edge there was the aircraft sitting upright if a little lopsided in about a foot of water and another foot or so of soft mud (fortunately, the tide was on its way out, at high tide it would have been under at least ten feet of water). The main rotor was coasting to a stop, the tail rotor looking like half a swastika and the tail rotor driveshaft like a corkscrew.
The pilot had his door held open with his foot, and a faraway look in his eyes, the policeman had put his head through the canopy behind him, only injuring the plastic as far as I remember.
In no time we were joined by the Fire Brigade and a couple of ambulances. The Fire Chief checked that we had disconnected the battery, and - incredibly - instructed us to open the fuel drains and let just about a full fuel load go into the Thames. This not only astonished us, but the thought of all that lovely 100/130 going to waste was almost too much to bear.
While we were watching the river turning green, one of his guys came down and asked him “Chief, who taught that Ladder driver to drive? He’s just backed into my pump - smashed the windscreen, and the dashboard is on the seats”.
Round about this time Mr Heath arrived on the H in a Wessex – I remembered it as a red QF one, but it may well have been a Green Parrot – anyway, his trademark toothy grin did look a bit forced.
That's how I remember it..
Whatever the date, it was a warm and calm summer morning. The aircraft was a H269A – the type with lollysticks for tail rotor blades. The police comms gear in those days was about half the size of a tea chest and looked heavy. There were only a few policemen in the observers job, and this morning they definitely sent the largest they had.
Battersea in those days was about half its present size. This often meant that there was a certain amount of overflying of parked aircraft. That morning the police aircraft had to lift itself, a pilot, full fuel, a large policeman and all that radio gear over a parked 206. All on that warm and calm morning.
I was able to watch the ensuing drama from a safe distance – the poor little 269 wound itself up into a frenzy of noise and leapt into the air, clearing the 206 by plenty. Then came the sorry sound of engine and rotor rpm slowing down. Yawing and descending it disappeared from view towards the river bed – some 15 feet lower than the platform, shortly followed by silence and what looked like a couple of bucketfuls of water thrown up in the air like you see on comedy sketch shows.
The crash alarm went off, but we were already running. When we peered over the edge there was the aircraft sitting upright if a little lopsided in about a foot of water and another foot or so of soft mud (fortunately, the tide was on its way out, at high tide it would have been under at least ten feet of water). The main rotor was coasting to a stop, the tail rotor looking like half a swastika and the tail rotor driveshaft like a corkscrew.
The pilot had his door held open with his foot, and a faraway look in his eyes, the policeman had put his head through the canopy behind him, only injuring the plastic as far as I remember.
In no time we were joined by the Fire Brigade and a couple of ambulances. The Fire Chief checked that we had disconnected the battery, and - incredibly - instructed us to open the fuel drains and let just about a full fuel load go into the Thames. This not only astonished us, but the thought of all that lovely 100/130 going to waste was almost too much to bear.
While we were watching the river turning green, one of his guys came down and asked him “Chief, who taught that Ladder driver to drive? He’s just backed into my pump - smashed the windscreen, and the dashboard is on the seats”.
Round about this time Mr Heath arrived on the H in a Wessex – I remembered it as a red QF one, but it may well have been a Green Parrot – anyway, his trademark toothy grin did look a bit forced.
That's how I remember it..
Last edited by TRC; 14th Nov 2012 at 20:48.
TRC,
Great description: you didn't happen to be there when the 206 parted company with its rotor assembly?
Re the police radio, my Dad was I/C the helicopter trials for the Met using a couple of AAC Sioux/B47s in 1965: one memory was the (valve?) driven monstrosity sitting on the skids. That and TOM refusing to let me go for a flight when invited as it may be seen as bad for his image as Inspector
Great description: you didn't happen to be there when the 206 parted company with its rotor assembly?
Re the police radio, my Dad was I/C the helicopter trials for the Met using a couple of AAC Sioux/B47s in 1965: one memory was the (valve?) driven monstrosity sitting on the skids. That and TOM refusing to let me go for a flight when invited as it may be seen as bad for his image as Inspector
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John, do you mean G-AXAY with John Perry, on the Plessey contract?
I was at Battersea then, but the accident was nowhere near there. Co-incidentally I did go from there to work at Manns who operated that aircraft on that contract.
I was at Battersea then, but the accident was nowhere near there. Co-incidentally I did go from there to work at Manns who operated that aircraft on that contract.
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Great post TRC! I did some trawling on t’internet tonight and found the article from Police Air News “Police Aviation – a history 1914-1990” that PA News seems to have used in his recent related posts on the Wessex thread. The article seems to confirm by the following two extracts that the date of XD’s incident was 1974, just two months after Twyford Moors was awarded the contract:
However the article then refers to the first of the three incidents that happened to XD as being on Saturday 11 August. In 1973 that date was indeed on a Saturday, but on a Sunday in 1974. The next incident is shown as occurring on “the following Monday” with the final excursion into the Thames being “later that same week”. So still no further forward on which year!
EDIT: Ah, the clincher! From the "Flight" archives, the National Police Air Rally in 1973 was from May 22-23 but in 1974 was from 23-24 July - as stated in the Police Air News article quotes above - at Shoreham Airport so I'm now convinced my little grey cells are still working - XD's Thames outing was in August 1974!.........Although I've now seen PA News latest post on the Wessex thread where he has records of all the incidents being in 1973. Enough - filed under too difficult.
From June 27, 1974 Air Gregory lost its Metropolitan Police contract to Hampshire based Twyford Moors [Helicopters] Ltd…….
…….The first public exposure of the new contractor was at the National Police Air Rally on 23 July 1974.
EDIT: Ah, the clincher! From the "Flight" archives, the National Police Air Rally in 1973 was from May 22-23 but in 1974 was from 23-24 July - as stated in the Police Air News article quotes above - at Shoreham Airport so I'm now convinced my little grey cells are still working - XD's Thames outing was in August 1974!.........Although I've now seen PA News latest post on the Wessex thread where he has records of all the incidents being in 1973. Enough - filed under too difficult.
Last edited by CharlieOneSix; 14th Nov 2012 at 22:26.
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Well, the fact that Ted Heath wasn't PM in August 74 would make it unlikely that he'd have had VIP treatment with the RAF or RN probably makes it unlikely to have been in 74.
I had the front pages of all the evening and following morning papers with yours truly in the pics - all the press were there for Ted's arrival - but long lost now.
I had the front pages of all the evening and following morning papers with yours truly in the pics - all the press were there for Ted's arrival - but long lost now.
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1974 I think, I joined Twyford Moors as a young fitter in late 1973, and I remember going to Battersea with the Engineering Manager Colin York to pick up a Hughes on a low loader and drive it back to southhampton after being in the Company for a few months.
Stace
Stace
No: there was a 206 that (IIRC) lifted from Battersea only to have the jesus nut come loose. Rotor assembly went up, fuselage went down, fortunately from a low altitude as all on board just got a bit damp
Back in the '70s with no internet or mobile phones, so by the time the story travelled it may have been well embellished 
Memory is hazy, someone is bound to remember the actual details/story?
Thread Starter
Great stuff TRC! 
One would think, with the litany of events encountered (seemingly one after the other) that Twyford's name must have been mud with the Met!
So .. how did you prevent yourself from sinking into the mud as you squelched around 'XD' and how, in the end, was the craft recovered from the river?
Were you at Battersea when Jock Cameron inadvertently inflated the pop-outs on his 206 runabout (G-AWGU) requiring him to plod along on his journey back to Gatters (LGW) at a paltry 80kts (or whatever it was)?
One would think, with the litany of events encountered (seemingly one after the other) that Twyford's name must have been mud with the Met!
So .. how did you prevent yourself from sinking into the mud as you squelched around 'XD' and how, in the end, was the craft recovered from the river?
Were you at Battersea when Jock Cameron inadvertently inflated the pop-outs on his 206 runabout (G-AWGU) requiring him to plod along on his journey back to Gatters (LGW) at a paltry 80kts (or whatever it was)?
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...lifted from Battersea only to have the jesus nut come loose
A 206 did go into the river within swimming distance of Battersea after the engine stopped. Very early 70's, before my time there.
Another one went into the drink off the barge in the city, late 70's - don't remember the cause though.
XD
Well, I didn't even remember it being August let alone which year. I deduced - probably incorrectly - that the Ted Heath VIP flight would only happen if he were PM. Someone will nail it officially, but wish I still had the newspapers.
The mud was very soft for the first foot or so, but firmer below that. You can see a few boards we put down in the photo.
A mobile crane from the wharf next door clattered round and lifted it onto the platform - no exciting underslung loads - quite a dull recovery really.
Floats
I saw several 206 & 206L either arrive with popouts blown, or blow them on the ground. GU may have been one of them.
Had to help a very well-dressed lady over a float when the things popped in flight - she got a fair coating of French chalk no matter how careful we were.
Thread Starter
I saw several 206 & 206L either arrive with popouts blown, or blow them on the ground.
'Twas mentioned afore that Air Gregory were providing H300 support to the Met prior to Twyfords:
Air Gregorious Hughes 300 G-AZEJ on contract to MetPol in 1972 (although seen here in a TV role)
AZEJ (a 269C) was registered to 'Medminster' of Richmond in London from 1971 to 1976 whereafter she was bought by Autair who sold her to South Africa in 1980.
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Nice piccy
That's either one very long or two normal white 'S' Type Jags in the back ground - Just like mine!!
G.
G.
Last edited by Geoffersincornwall; 15th Nov 2012 at 14:50. Reason: add photo
Thread Starter
What a beautiful car!
Well, you share something in common with 'The Menace' (other than being a legendary helicopter pilot
) in that he also has a classic Jag (albeit an E type).
It looks like the 'Morse Car' (which I think was a Mk II) but .. the tail on yours looks a little different.
When I was schooling in Britain, for a police force to buy a 'foreign' car was verboten. They tell me however that if I was to visit Britain today I would see Skoda police cars and which of course I know is perfectly ridiculous!
Seeing as a photo of a Hughes prompted a Jag .. perhaps I can use your Jag to prompt a Hughes ...
A 1976 advertisement commissioned by British Leyland's North American office in Leonia, New Jersey, to promote their Jaguar coupe - taken in front of a 'Hughes production facility'
Perhaps the only flash of inspiration BL had!
Well, you share something in common with 'The Menace' (other than being a legendary helicopter pilot
) in that he also has a classic Jag (albeit an E type).It looks like the 'Morse Car' (which I think was a Mk II) but .. the tail on yours looks a little different.
When I was schooling in Britain, for a police force to buy a 'foreign' car was verboten. They tell me however that if I was to visit Britain today I would see Skoda police cars and which of course I know is perfectly ridiculous!
Seeing as a photo of a Hughes prompted a Jag .. perhaps I can use your Jag to prompt a Hughes ...
A 1976 advertisement commissioned by British Leyland's North American office in Leonia, New Jersey, to promote their Jaguar coupe - taken in front of a 'Hughes production facility'
Perhaps the only flash of inspiration BL had!
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Ah! The XJ Coupe......
..... surely a beauty. There was a drop head of the later model built by Jag as an experiment but it never made it beyond the exhibition stand.
I'm on the waiting list for the new 'F' Type.
This particular waiting list is the one kept by the misses and I think she calls it the "In Your Dreams" List. It hasn't made much progress of late!
G.
I'm on the waiting list for the new 'F' Type.
This particular waiting list is the one kept by the misses and I think she calls it the "In Your Dreams" List. It hasn't made much progress of late!
G.
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JetBoxes & Jags
Geoff, that's a lovely S Type, and have to agree with you the XJ coupe is (was) just the business....
One of PLM's JetBangers circa mid 80's, Longside, Aberdeenshire, and below, as we've widened the net a little, may I offer my own pride and joy........
1964 Series 1 FHC 3.8, restored from this...........!
One of PLM's JetBangers circa mid 80's, Longside, Aberdeenshire, and below, as we've widened the net a little, may I offer my own pride and joy........
1964 Series 1 FHC 3.8, restored from this...........!
Last edited by Plank Cap; 16th Nov 2012 at 06:21.
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Plank
What a cracker! Looks gorgeous.You have obviously spent much time and money on it. I started a nut and bolt restoration on mine in 1991. Hope to finish it soon.... then it will be time to begin again.
G.
G.
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G-AXXD
I spoke to another Battersea groundcrewman on the phone yesterday who was also there on that day.
He is convinced it was 1973 - he wasn't working at Battersea in Aug 74 -assuming that is was August.
Even better, he's got a press cutting with a photo - if he can find it.
He is convinced it was 1973 - he wasn't working at Battersea in Aug 74 -assuming that is was August.
Even better, he's got a press cutting with a photo - if he can find it.
Thread Starter
Che bell'auto Planko!
I've always thoroughly enjoyed the sound of the 'E' Type.
'BDBR'
BDBR was delivered to Mann's in '75 and then sold to William Monks (builders merchants) of Sheffield (for whom Geoffers delivered G-WIZZ from Frosinone). Monks then sold her to PLM in '77 and she stayed with them until 1986 when she was sold to Westwood Engineering of Plymouth.
Just after PLM sold BDBR, they took delivery of one of their first Ecureuils .. G-NIAL which was already a 'Highlands Squirrel' in that she was bought by Timothy Laing of Perthshire (in 1984) who then sold her to PLM in 1987.
PLM AS350B G-NIAL as seen at Glasgow Airport c. 1987 (Photo: Charles Mac Kay)
'XD'
Bravo TRC. I must say that it would be good if we could get a copy of the clipping .. you know, for posterity and all that! Plus .. we are keen to see a youthful TRC, lol!
We've showcased this little snap (below) before but, it befits the page:
The 'great' Mike Smith with 'someone' alongside G-AZEJ during her time on contract to Metpol. Most likely taken at Denham c. 1972
,
I've always thoroughly enjoyed the sound of the 'E' Type.
'BDBR'
BDBR was delivered to Mann's in '75 and then sold to William Monks (builders merchants) of Sheffield (for whom Geoffers delivered G-WIZZ from Frosinone). Monks then sold her to PLM in '77 and she stayed with them until 1986 when she was sold to Westwood Engineering of Plymouth.
Just after PLM sold BDBR, they took delivery of one of their first Ecureuils .. G-NIAL which was already a 'Highlands Squirrel' in that she was bought by Timothy Laing of Perthshire (in 1984) who then sold her to PLM in 1987.
PLM AS350B G-NIAL as seen at Glasgow Airport c. 1987 (Photo: Charles Mac Kay)
'XD'
Bravo TRC. I must say that it would be good if we could get a copy of the clipping .. you know, for posterity and all that! Plus .. we are keen to see a youthful TRC, lol!
We've showcased this little snap (below) before but, it befits the page:
The 'great' Mike Smith with 'someone' alongside G-AZEJ during her time on contract to Metpol. Most likely taken at Denham c. 1972
,
Last edited by Savoia; 17th Nov 2012 at 06:54. Reason: Amend airport location as per Tarman's input
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...Mike Smith with 'someone' ...
Actually the face is familiar, the more I look at the pic.. but I can't think who it is.
Last edited by TRC; 16th Nov 2012 at 16:44.
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Nice to see G- NIAL again, I remember her well in that colour scheme when Graham Pryke used to fly her around 1986/87 ( the photo is taken at Glasgow Airport btw).
If I recall Timothy Laing was in fact the 'L' in PLM although I stand to be corrected on that !
Tarman
If I recall Timothy Laing was in fact the 'L' in PLM although I stand to be corrected on that !
Tarman
Sanity Returned
I was seriously doubting the date and my sanity.
I have just returned from the loft with the 3 inches of clippings covering Met Police 1939-79......... phew..... shows I seriously need to digitize even more of the massive collection.....
Anyway Evening Standard Tuesday September 4, 1973 is the dated cutting with the image... four figures by the aircraft... including Sergeant Ron Potter of the police unit who supplied me the copy about 20 years ago.
Earlier in the binder is an extract log listing Mike Smith as flying Hughes 500 G-AYNK on 22/1/73 and a 'brand new' G-BAEH on 7/3/73. That same log sheet shows Gaye Absolem flying G-AYLX on 22 December 1972. I mention her only because she was probably the first ever employed woman police pilot.... always a bone of contention these 'firsts' but I am sure she has the accolade.
That earlier image of a Point to Point 300 may fit in with the Met Police contract January 24 to February 14 1975.... there were six short-term contracts brought in after Twyford Moors went bust in 1975. Buut I seem to recall they also worked for some other police units on a one-off basis ..... back to the loft?
I have just checked back to the text in the online book and yes the 1974 date relating to Air Gregory should read 1973. I will get it changed as soon as I can. I need to clarify the source relating to the Rally... different binder, back in the loft!
I have just returned from the loft with the 3 inches of clippings covering Met Police 1939-79......... phew..... shows I seriously need to digitize even more of the massive collection.....
Anyway Evening Standard Tuesday September 4, 1973 is the dated cutting with the image... four figures by the aircraft... including Sergeant Ron Potter of the police unit who supplied me the copy about 20 years ago.
Earlier in the binder is an extract log listing Mike Smith as flying Hughes 500 G-AYNK on 22/1/73 and a 'brand new' G-BAEH on 7/3/73. That same log sheet shows Gaye Absolem flying G-AYLX on 22 December 1972. I mention her only because she was probably the first ever employed woman police pilot.... always a bone of contention these 'firsts' but I am sure she has the accolade.
That earlier image of a Point to Point 300 may fit in with the Met Police contract January 24 to February 14 1975.... there were six short-term contracts brought in after Twyford Moors went bust in 1975. Buut I seem to recall they also worked for some other police units on a one-off basis ..... back to the loft?
I have just checked back to the text in the online book and yes the 1974 date relating to Air Gregory should read 1973. I will get it changed as soon as I can. I need to clarify the source relating to the Rally... different binder, back in the loft!
Last edited by PANews; 16th Nov 2012 at 22:15. Reason: Additional information