Aircraft type please (1946)

It is a Miles M.65 Gemini.

Quick, but I may be wrong, we will await the cavalry!

That was quick Pagen – much appreciated.

Brian

Looks like a Miles Gemini to me, but as for which one…

It is as others have said a Gemini and possibly the prototype GUS, as this toured Europe extensively in the very early years after the war. GUS can be identified by having large square rear windows rather than the teardrop shapes of the production examples if this can be ascertained on the original photo.

John

As the photo was taken in 1946, and the trees in the distance are in full leaf I’d suggest the summer – but I appreciatec that’s a bit vague. I’ve had two letters from the lady who sent the photo (one of three), but it’s difficult to tie down approximate dates from them. I’ll try and find out more this evening.

Brian

Considering that the prototype (G-AGUS) made its first flight in late ’45, I wonder if it could be it in the picture?
Do you have a more precise date Lyffe?

GUS’s U/c was later retractable.

JOhn

I was trying to figure the rear windows out, and the fact that ‘GUS had fixed undercarriage should help, but the pic is too washed out. It did have light lettering against a light background at one stage though.

Another thing which qualifies GUS is it had outline lettering so making it indistinct at a distance. The second prototype had dark lettering.

John

very good, I think the colour was possibly cream with red dashes, John will know better though.

Gentlemen,

The photo does indeed show the prototype Gemini – it had been sent to Buc to be viewed by, and demonstrated to, the French in the hope of making sales. The photo was taken in either September or October 1946, shortly after my lady was posted to the airfield. She recalls to colour scheme as being ‘reddish’.

It is just possible there is also a close-up photo, but that needs digging out. The only other small point of interest is that the photo was taken using a Box Brownie camera.

Brian

That’s what I like – real servitude Resmorah. It would be interesting to know if the museum has anything about this visit – if not I’m sure the photographer would be only to happy to add to the collection.

Brian

Miles Aircraft

Lyffe,
Don’t forget that the Museum of Berks Aviation is still at Woodley. They have a vast amount of Miles information. I can spit from where I live to Woodley. If I can be of any help in this matter, Oh Gracious Leader, then your wish is my command!!!!
(Gerroff!)
HTH
Resmoroh

Cream and Red were favoured colours by Miles Aircraft, GUS I’m sure was overall Cream.

Here is the relevant page from Harboros Miles a/c. Showing two styles of reg.

John

Perhaps to conclude, here is a lovely photo from my collection. The copyright is Chas E. Brown and I have added this to the photo.

John