A colleage of mine informs me that, when at school in Hatfield in the 1990s, he was part of a team that won the ‘R.E. Bishop Prize’ to design an aeroplane that could be operated by a disabled pilot.

The prize was a flight in the, then flying, Mosquito. Yes, I was surprised and jealous too!

I was wondering if anyone here had heard of these prize flights taking place. I just wondered how may of the kids appreciated the experience and developed a passion for the aircraft.

Can’t say I have heard of that wonderful prize.

My father was stationed at RAF Hornchurch in the early 50s on the staff of the Aircrew Selection Centre and often flew with based pilots, usually in the RFS Chipmunks or Station Flight Ansons. However, at the time CAACU was also based at Hornchurch with a mix of Spitfires and Mosquitos – Dad was offered flights in the Mossies but never got round to it.

He’s still kicking himself to this day….