Historic photo of downed Messenger (JOE)

I was especially sad to read of the mishap to G-AJOE. I have a great fondness for Miles machines. The only example of the Miles family I’ve flown in is Falcon ‘EEG some years ago (on its birthday), but I would still love to have the chance to experience a Messenger or Magister.

I photographed Messenger the very example mentioned affected in the reported crash (G-AJOE) when it was stored at Sherburn-In-Elmet in May 1972 – many years before it went thought its lengthy restoration and hibernation at Staverton. After so much love and attention was subsequently lavished on it I’m gutted that this example of such a rare bread has been severly damaged.

Let’s hope it can live to fly another day but it sounds very serious. If true that no-one was hurt then that’s the main blessing. I hope my photo evokes some memories of those days when (lierally in this case) dusty airframes could be found languishing unloved after the glue complications made them expensive prospects to restore. I feel that those of us who love classic British types owe a great deal to those prepared to invest time and their money into keeping the few left operational.