Someone just sent me scanned copies of two framed photos he recently acquired. They show the production line at the Mann Egerton factory in Norwich. I think the aircraft are “Short Bombers” (rather vague sounding title, but it was the official one). Above one of the airframes is the sign “9480”. According to Bruce Robertson’s British Military Aircraft Serials Mann Egerton produced 20 Short Bombers for the RNAS (including 9480) or RFC in the block 9476-9495. The date must be about 1916. I can get better photos if anyone is interested.
I wonder if the aeroplane with the folding wings seen head-on is one of Mann Egerton’s own Type B seaplanes. The sign could be 9088.
By: l.garey - 26th June 2018 at 07:02
Thanks John
By: John Aeroclub - 25th June 2018 at 16:26
Correction: the Short’s are 184 type B’s as Mann Egerton did not build 310’s.
John
By: John Aeroclub - 25th June 2018 at 12:34
The Short Bomber is in the foreground of the left hand photo and in the background in the right hand photo (note the wheels). All the other machines appear to be Short 310’s. (Note shorter lower wing with rounded tip) As for testing the seaplanes I would think one of the East coast RNAS stations such as Great Yarmouth or Felixstowe.
John
By: l.garey - 16th June 2018 at 08:04
JagRigger: according to
“A large wooden hangar was constructed on the Mann Egerton site in 1916. The company
manufactured Short bombers, Sopwith fighters and other aircraft until 1919. The site included a private airfield. The hangar was demolished in 1984.”
DonClark: thanks for the references
By: JagRigger - 15th June 2018 at 18:14
Where did they test fly these ? The factory was very close to the current Norwich airport, but I believe at the time Mousehold Heath was Norwich Aerodrome.
By: Sopwith - 15th June 2018 at 18:10
No 2 image reminds me of that Short aircraft remains that they have in the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
By: l.garey - 15th June 2018 at 13:25
Where are the Short Bomber and Mann Egerton “B” experts?
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June 12, 2018 at 3:44 pm