State Recognition For Alex Henshaw

EN830, I am aware of the awarding of an MBE. However, and without trying to denegrate those who have received this prostigous award, I think most of us in aviation feel that it really isn’t enough of an official “thank you” when one reflects on Alex Henshaw’s contributions.

Hope my opinions haven’t just opened a can of worms, and sincere apologies to anyone I may offend with this post.

Not possible unfortunately, they have to be alive.

That’s a bit unfair. If people can be awarded a posthumous VC for miltary incompetence then people who have made a valid contribution to this country should be able to have a knighthodd after they’ve gone. Thank you for the education, I didn’t know that you had to be alive to receive a knighthood.

Not sure if he’s still alive but if not a posthumous one for Jeffrey Quill at the same time, likewise R J Mitchel.

Not possible unfortunately, they have to be alive.

Definitely deserving of a knighthood. Not sure if he’s still alive but if not a posthumous one for Jeffrey Quill at the same time, likewise R J Mitchel.

I am appauled that Alex Henshaw has never received ‘Official’ recognition of his unique contributions to aviation, as well as his contributions to the free worlds eventual success sixty one years ago.

As said before he was made an MBE a little while ago.

As a very young boy, I was fortunate enough to be gifted with a copy of ‘Flight of the Mew Gull’. I was, and to this day, am still captivated by what I read. In the years that then followed, a move into the aviation world professionally was almost a foregone conclusion. ‘Sigh of a Merlin’ was a can’t-put-it-down read in the modest, forthright and honest style familiar from those years before.

I was fortunate enough to have met Mr Henshaw and Mr Quill in the ’90’s when Alex flew in Maurice Bayliss’ two-seater, but that is another story. (My own picture of JQ, the Major and AH in front of AB910 still adorns my office wall).

To have met two of my childhood heroes on the same day is one of those moments I shall treasure.

I am appauled that Alex Henshaw has never received ‘Official’ recognition of his unique contributions to aviation, as well as his contributions to the free worlds eventual success sixty one years ago.

Within the aviation industry, Alex Henshaw is a known and most highly respected individual. His contributions and accomplishments are acknowledged with admiration and gratitude within the confines of aviation. It may be because of his decency, modesty and the fact that Mr Henshaw is a gentleman, that he has never drawn attention to his own accomplishments. This may be why he has not been rewarded by the country.

Maybe, this thread will help bring public awareness of Alex Henshaw, his historical achievements, and his contributions to Great Britain and the Free World. And if this isn’t found to be outlawed by the Politically Correct Police, maybe proper recognition from the country he helped to defend will be forthcoming.

I, for one, sincerely hope that we arn’t too late.

I agree with everything that has been said on this already.Its outrageous that Alex has never received more recognition.
I have no idea how Alex feels about this,possibly hurt that his efforts have largely been unrewarded by the people in positions to make such awards happen.I often wonder how a guy who helped row a boat up a river along with three others,or maybe a footballer can get knighthoods,medals ,the full hero treatment and yet many true heroes who really just go about their daily job which ultimately is all Alex did end up with very little.
Its fair to say that Alex appears very modest and is probably not bothered about knighthoods,but more about the way this country is heading after he and many others gave so much.
If a petition is started or there is enough support for the recommending of a knighthood then i’ll be only to pleased to support it.

Steve

Probably because the people who give the nod on these awards ,think that they will get votes from Joe public for recognising these athletes etc as they see them on the tv and in newspapers being succesfull,so associating themselves with their deeds even though they probably did’nt do ****** all to assist them to be succcesfull . Oh and they don’t give a monkeys about heritage or history unless it’s ‘trendy’. 😡
Alan.

I agree with everything that has been said on this already.Its outrageous that Alex has never received more recognition.
I have no idea how Alex feels about this,possibly hurt that his efforts have largely been unrewarded by the people in positions to make such awards happen.I often wonder how a guy who helped row a boat up a river along with three others,or maybe a footballer can get knighthoods,medals ,the full hero treatment and yet many true heroes who really just go about their daily job which ultimately is all Alex did end up with very little.
Its fair to say that Alex appears very modest and is probably not bothered about knighthoods,but more about the way this country is heading after he and many others gave so much.
If a petition is started or there is enough support for the recommending of a knighthood then i’ll be only to pleased to support it.

Steve

Its well overdue. In my opinion he has done so much more for thic country that alot of people who get knighthoods etc.

I agree totally with what has been said. However, one assumes that we will have to make a significant donation to a political party first, to have any chance of succeeding. 😡 Any suggestions?

Send your cheque to me made out to Central Amazon Spiritual Healers or if you choose C.A.S.H for short.

[QUOTE=Auster Fan]However, one assumes that we will have to make a significant donation to a political party first, to have any chance of succeeding.QUOTE]

****** that! They don’t deserve it!

I agree totally with what has been said. However, one assumes that we will have to make a significant donation to a political party first, to have any chance of succeeding. 😡 Any suggestions?

I note that it takes 12 to 18 months to process the application, we could try to circumvent this by writing en-mass to MP’s and the PM to push the process due to AH’s age !!!!

I think all you have to be is a citizen of a Common Wealth country.

Steve.

I’ll happily nominate Alex if anyone would support and even second the nomination.

Does one have to be a British subject to do so?

Well done – he is a true gentleman who I have had the privilege of meeting on several occasions (he is our Honorary President at SAM) I only wish that at the age of 92 i could look back on a life as varied, exciting and important as his – and as you say, be bright as a button.

Good work guys

TT

Honours List

Nomination Form

Anyone can nominate see attached.

I’ll happily nominate Alex if anyone would support and even second the nomination.

BTW he is already an MBE !!!!

Too right!!

Great idea, count me in.

Absolutely! A Knighthood is way overdue. I had the great privilege of visiting Alex in his home last year and spent some hours in conversation with him as he recounted all sorts of experiences and also his opinions about aviation today. A great man who deserves the recognition of the nation.