HU Book "History of British European Airways 1946-1974&

[hobby]

The author is Charles Woodley and the book was published by Pen & Sword in 2006.

I quote from the dusy jacket:

"This book looks at BEA's predecessors, its formation and early days at Cropydon and Northolt, and the move to newly opened London Airport at Heathrow. The evolving company structure is explained, and other chapters cover european and domestic services, the engineering bases and terminals, cargo services and helicopter operations. the types of aircraft flown are described in detail and the book includes anecdotes from former aircrew and ground staff. The full fleet list is included nd the book is comprehensively illustrated throughout."

Price £25.00 = full dustjacket price.

Sadly some of the illustrations look as if they were taken through a lace curtain and this does degrade the quality of the book.

One very clear b/w photograph is of a BEA (carries the winged key on the fin) Mosquito PR34 regn G-AZJE used by the BEA Gust Research Unit. Overall light grey, silver or cerulean blue, with dark =black or blue or red registration letters??? There were two such aircraft the other being G-AJZF. The last flight of 77 such flights totalling 247 flying hours was in 1949. The Mosquitos were overhauled by Marshalls of Cambridge in 1950 prior to being returned to the RAF.

The a/c were fitted with weather radar and three accelerometers and flew all over Europe at heights above 20,000ft investigating clear air turbulence in preparation for the introduction of the Vickers Viscount fleet.

I believe that the Mosquito is still a British classic of design and operation.

I thought members might be interested in the above book for it does contain some interesting route maps and not all the photos are bad.

[DaveB]

Hi Hobby,

I have this book and it's a worthy addition to any enthusiasts collection. Much of the VA's route info came from it too

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[hobby]

Hi Dave

I see that Charles Woodley has also published books on BOAC and the Bristol Britannia.

[DaveB]

He certainly has BOAC - An Illustrated History is also one of my collection Not a hardback this one but still worthy of purchase. Again.. lot's of route info including aircraft used on which route plus some smashing pics/posters

ATB

DaveB :tab: