A very sad day indeed. Steve, the engineer in the right hand seat at the time, shared many a story with me over too many beers on many occasions in various airshows. Sad time but good memories.

Moggy, How much longer than promised? And was there any problems to be dealt with beyond the Inspection aspect? You know, the usual. Engine change, wing replacement, other similar minor tasks…

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.

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.

Steve Bond, You might be able to refresh my memory. I think it was 1982 when we lost the first Hawk, XX305. Seem to remember it was one of yours (Sparrowhawk). A very sad day indeed.

[QUOTE= Shortly after the incident U2 operations moved to a certain airbase in East Anglia. [/QUOTE]

I was detached to ‘tiri’ a number of times in the ’80’s and the U2 ops were still on the go. Couldn’t miss the hangar. The only building with more barbed wire than the rest of the station combined. The roof looked like a porcupine, it had so many aerials. Watching the take offs and landing were quite a sight, especially the chase pickup.

Every time a detachment arrived at ‘tiri’, everyone received the same old briefing about ‘ it isn’t here, dont take pictures, don’t talk about it’ etc etc. At one of the U2 barbies, The U2 guy’s were easy to spot. The ‘T’ shirts were a give away.

‘If we arn’t here, then where the f”(k are we?’.

MrB.175 and Nick B, Any photo’s would be nice to see. With regard to ’56’s last landing at Mawgan, I was on the other ship (can’t remember which one it was – age catching up). Would be nice to see some familiar faces. Thanks in advance.

Oh, this is a difficult one.
OK, I’ll stick my neck out and say Robert Rudhall. One of the nicest guys I have ever met, and he took some brilliant pictures. Taken from us far too early.