Alex Henshaw – Thanks

I have just read through the tributes from Forum members for Alex. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness in sending these memories and thoughts. Alex touched so many people throughout his long life, he was a skilled businessman, brilliant pilot, skier and all-round sportsman. Alex loved life and at the end he was still working. Please look out for the stunning Henshaw celebration at the RAF Museum Hendon and later Cosford in the coming months. Alex was delighted by the idea that the work by test pilots and others like him would be recognised. He was also working on a book with Michael Turner and myself that will be published in time for Christmas 2007.

I was proud to be called a friend by Alex and always delighted in his company. He had the most wonderful sense of humour and a fund of stories from his many lives – not just aviation. One lasting memory was recreating the image that Mark 12 has posted. This was for Alex’s Christmas card for 2005 – 60 years with a 1945 Seafire at Castle Bromwich (photo by Charles Brown) and Cliff Spink’s Spitfire at Duxford in 2005. We were fortunate with the weather, even the clouds looked the same.
All the messages posted so far have been printed and will be sent to Alex Jnr today. I know that he greatly appreciates all the messages that have been sent.
As an aside: Camlobe says he never got a knighthood. Well several people tried to influence the present government. Their comment was that ‘It all happened so long ago and was not relevant’ That sums up the attitude of today quite clearly.
Never mind, Alex certainly never sought such rewards. His rewards, as he always said, were his late father and wife, his many friends, his dogs and his health.
I urge anyone who has not read any of Alex’s books to rush out and do so, they will not disappoint.
Francois