If you want the gory details (and they are gory!!!) then read “Wings Over Woodley: The Sory of Miles Aircraft and the Adwest Group” by Julian C Temple (Aston Publications Ltd 1987, ISBN 0946627126).
It would seem that the UK Govt, The Treasury, Handley-Page (and a few others) were suspiciously close to the action when Miles Aircraft “got into difficulties”!! But don’t take my word for it (I’m biased!). Read the book, add all the stories together and then divide by the number of stories! I think that even the most laid-back of observers will have to admit that Miles Aircraft were “seen off” by some fairly shadowy vested interests. Pity. They made some good aircraft!
HTH
Resmoroh

Pagen01, Hi,
I agree that Valley has never been, strictly speaking, actually in Coastal Command. However, Rafweb gives “Coastal Command Aircraft Preparation & Modifications Flight” as being in residence from 12 Mar 51 to 28 May 51.
Also, The Kipper Fleet regarded Valley as a home-from-home. It was (and may still be?) a Master Diversion Airfield (if they still exist?). When Aldergrove, Ballykelly, etc, were subject to A Very Soft Day (as they say in Ireland!) then the returning Kipper Fleet (and Met!) a/c would be offered Prestwick or Valley (depending on the Met conditions) as a diversion – Valley usually got the nod!
HTH
Resmoroh

It would serve those of us researching various aspects of aviation history if the comments on this (and other!) threads (and on other Fora) could be restricted to verifiable FACTS. From those facts one can – by a process of calculated logical deduction and reasoned argument – expect to formulate a prognosis which can be tested against subsequently discovered, or announced, facts.
Rumour, Bar Scuttlebutt, Innuendo, etc, have often been found wanting in the past.
But please don’t let me stop you posting the slanted invective that flashes up on my screen day-by-day.
Makes East Enders/Holby City look like Andy Pandy. If XH558 flies – then great. But if it never gets off the ground again it will not cause The End Of The World. Can we just keep things in the proper perspective?
Yrs Aye
Resmoroh

Hi All,
“Flight” archives quotes a G C Marler as being killed in a crash at Angmering in Sep 62 whilst flying his Miles Falcon in practice for the Shoreham Air Display/Race.
HTH
Resmoroh

We should be given 24 hrs notice when it is going to be ‘taken down’ either for routine servicing or, as in this case, for a change of servers.
HTH
Resmoroh

Now there’s a turn up for the books.
G-APWD was a Dart Herald 101 which was built at Woodley (near Reading, where I live!) by Handley-Page during the limited/abortive period when they took over Miles (or Phillips & Powis?). I suppose it’s Coke cans now – but a John Smith’s beer can would, perhaps, be more appropriate!!!!
Rgds
Resmoroh