In 1928 two ex-Royal Navy Supermarine Seagull IIIs G-EBXH (formerly N9653) and G-EBXI (formerly N9654) were purchased by J. Tyllyer and F. H. Winn, trading as Coastal Flying Boat Services of Shoreham. It is said that they were converted to six seater amphibians (although the one photograph of G-EBXH, that I have seen, tends to cast doubts on this) with the intention of using them for joy flights from Brighton and a passenger service from Shoreham to Dieppe. I can find no evidence that either of these plans came to fruition and both aircraft are said to have been scrapped by 1930.
It appears that J. Tyllyer was former RAF 2nd Lt John (‘Jack’) Tyllyer. Portslade born, he relocated to Canada but enlisted in the Canadian Cavalry, early in WW1, before being commissioned into the RFC for pilot training in early 1918. He was seriously injured in a mid-air collision, above or in the vicinity of Tangmere Aerodrome, on 7 July 1918. Subsequently he is said to have assisted F. G. Miles in the construction of the Gnat biplane, the predecessor of the Miles family of aircraft. I know nothing of the antecedents of F. H. Winn.
Does anyone have more knowledge of the usage, history and fate of two Seagulls; or of Coastal Flying Boat Services of Shoreham; or of John Tyllyer and/or F. H. Winn? If so, I shall be most grateful to hear from you.
By: avion ancien - 12th September 2024 at 15:04
At risk of “doing a Vahe.D”
Not at all, viscount. There is a subtle difference between your post and those of Vahe.D. Whilst everyone, on this forum, is likely to have access to the internet, not everyone has or has access to every relevant book. In that context, quotes from books are different to quotes from websites.
By: viscount - 12th September 2024 at 13:51
At risk of “doing a Vahe.D” the entries in the AIr Britain G–E··· and G-A··· Register monographs (pub. circa 1970) for the 3 Supermarine Seagulls confirms some details, but adds little:
G-EBXH Supermarine Seagull III, was N9653, no c/no. CofA issue 16.07.28. Coastal Flying Boat Services at Shoreham. Withdrawn on CofA Expiry 15.07.29. Scrapped in 1930. Marks cancelled 1.37.
G-EBXI Supermarine Seagull III, was N9654, no c/no. Regd 03.04.28. Coastal Flying Boat Services at Shoreham. Not converted and used for spares. Scrapped in 1930. Marks cancelled on 15.06.28.
G-AAIZ Supermarine Seagull III, was N9605, no c/no. CofA issue 10.07.29. Travel & Tour Association Ltd of Brooklands. Operated from Jersey in October 1929. Last owned by George W. Higgs at Brooklands from 13.02.30, but withdrawn from use with CofA expiry on 09.07.30. Dismantled and later burned at Brooklands. Marks cancelled in the 1933 census.
By: avion ancien - 12th September 2024 at 11:27
Thank you, Oracal. Unfortunately G-AAIZ doesn’t have any obvious connections with Tyllyer & Winn or Coastal Flying Boat Services or Shoreham. It was first registered to Travel & Tour Association Ltd, in 1929, and in 1930 it was registered to G. W. Higgs. It appears to have been based at Brooklands, where it was burned in 1933.
By: Arabella-Cox - 11th September 2024 at 19:03
As far as I’m aware only 3 Supermarine Seagulls made it onto the civil register. The third is G-AAIZ. Serial 9605. Ref = G-INFO.
By: avion ancien - 11th September 2024 at 17:01
I have come across a photograph of G-EBXH which, it seems, appeared in the October 1979 issue of Aeroplane Monthly, illustrating an article by D. (Don?) Brown entitled ‘Wings over Sussex (2)’. The caption says that G-EBXH was: ‘one of three Supermarine Seagull IIIs converted between 1928-29 [which] worked along the south coast’. Does anyone have access to this issue and, if so, can they let me know if it:
– says any more about the conversion and operation of this aircraft?
– identifies the third Seagull III (i.e. in addition to G-EBXH and G-EBXI) mentioned?
– makes any mention of Messrs Tyllyer and Winn?
With my thanks in anticipation.
By: avion ancien - 11th September 2024 at 09:49
Thank you, Aerotony. I suspect that the records of which you speak, if they exist, are now in the custody of the West Sussex County Archives, Chichester. If so, that line of inquiry will have to await m,y next trip to the UK.
By: Aerotony - 11th September 2024 at 09:41
I have read the thread on “South-East History Boards”. Have you tried to search the Adur Council archives for the Works Committee report that is referred to? It is also possible that the old records now sit with the County Council.
The old records may also show whether or not the rights to moor in Shoreham Harbour over night were actually used.
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September 10, 2024 at 4:46 pm