http://www.acdsystems.com/English/Community/ColumnsArticles/DigitalCamera/camera-2003-07-12.htm

Here on this site is a brief explanation and some tips on reducing shutter lag.

From Putnam’s “British Naval Aircraft since 1912”

The Ripon succeeded the Dart as the FAA’s standard torpedo aircraft, first entering service with No.462 Flight in February 1929. . . . an observer had to be carried to do the navigation. . . . a multi-purpose aircraft . . . with spools for catapulting and could be used for long-range reconnaissance . . . 570 hp Napier Lion XIA . . . one fixed Vickers machine-gun forward and one free-mounted Lewis machine-gun aft . . . provision for bombs.
The Baffin succeeded the Ripon . . . Two prototypes (Ripon V) flew in 1932-33, one with a Tiger engine, the other with a Pegasus . . . 29 built, also 68 Ripons were converted into Baffins, retaining their original serial numbers . . . 812 Sqn received Baffins in January 1934 . . . only served a few years . . . 565 hp Pegasus I.M.3 (air-cooled radial) . . . similar armament to the Ripon.
Comparative photos coming up in my next post.

I shall arrive at Nice airport, get the train to Juan-les-Pins, find my hotel, unpack, go to the nearest beach bar and have a long cool beer!

Also (“The British Bomber” again): “Mk III, VI and VII Hercules” all other Marks had the Merlin.

I am still searching (after 3 years!) for the date of the first flight of the prototype or 1st production or first conversion of the G.59; all I have is 1949, which may iteslf be incorrect. This seems to be a good opportunity to ask the experts! Does anyone reading this know and can put me out of my misery?

HP Type 658, Halifax Mk V built by Rootes Securities, serials between DG231 and DG424 according to “The British Bomber since 1914” By Francis K Mason.

Before the arguments get too heated, I should like to point out that the question is “. . . who was the first to fly” with no mention of controlled flight. This brings many earlier pioneers than the Wright brothers into the frame . . . and if you include balloon flight, EN830 in #6 seems to answer the question.