Eagle Group of Companies Archives Aldermaston

I work at AWE Aldermaston. I was told Eagle Airways were based here at one time after the war before the Atomic people took over the old airfield in the ’50s, anyone got any info on this?

Eagle Aviation Ltd operated out of Aldermaston from August 1949 until April 1950.
According to Flight Mag. Jan 1950 three York aircraft were purchased from BOAC and converted for freighter/passenger operation at Aldermaston. Eagle had arrived from Bovington and moved on to Luton after their short stay at Aldermanston.
From the Eagle archives

Possible G-AGRW

With reference to this aircraft being G-AGRW. The late Dave Cotteral a Viking historian records the following 1960 17th Febuary. G-AGRW, at Schipol it was substantially damaged when, after landing in surface wind reported as 285 deg 21 knots, was being taxied along runway 14. While the brakes were being applied to check the aircraft speed prior to turning off, the port main wheel burst. The aircraft tipped forward causing damage to the propellers and forward lower fuselage structure.
It was, after repairs ferried to Marshall’s of Cambridge for a freight door to be fitted and Overseas Aviation livery to be applied.

The only question is that the aircraft at the time would have still been in Hunting Clan basic colour scheme. This include a red sheild below the flight deck windows. This is not seen in the photo.

Also whilst working for Overseas 1960 I remember it said that the main undercarriage fitted was found to be the wrong mark. This was from one of the guys who went out to repair it for the ferry flight to Marshalls.

Happy Birthday G-APSA

She really looks stunning and what memories it brings back. British Eagle back in the air. Her 50th and Eagles 40th since closing.
On a sad note I have to record that of it pilots Captain Jack W Langley passed away this week.
Jack was a well known Captain in the Eagle group and would have loved to have seen the aircraft back in its Eagle colours. One of his epic flight was around the world in G-APSA which took place in March/April 1962.

Thanks to all at Air Atlantique for their efforts.
From the
Eagle group of Companies archivist and all the ex Eagle staff.

G-AOVF Britannia

Whilst the fact that the museum is at last showing some care of their Britannia is to be applauded, its not before time. Often whilst visiting the museum, staff indicated that the Brit was for the chop!
I would wish them every succsess in their endeavours. But why the secrecy about the colour scheme. Whilst the purist of us would have liked to have seen it in one of the civilian operators colours schemes, we do have Monarch with VT and British Eagle with CF. The RAF it represented by their very own aircraft at Kemble.

So what is left a Spanish colour scheme. Not really! There is one area of colour schemes not represented in the UK – A&AEE Boscombe Down. Yes, we all know it was VM that was at Boscombe but if none of its real colour schemes are going to be used why not give variety to the punters.

It would have a roundel on it, so enough to tie it up with the RAF overview of the museum.

So come on Cosford come out into the open, be inspiring, also let us all in on the secret

I really have only just heard of the plight of “Charlie Fox”. I well remember the day it arrive at Heathrow and was towed to the Eagle base for a check 4 and its freight door mod.I spent many a time servicing this aircraft at Heathrow. The pictures of it on the low loader whilst excellent pics bring a great sadness. We have just launched a new web site for Eagle http://www.britisheagle.net We are more than willing to make known the need for “CF” through the site. A place must be found for “CF” and that not easy. With the sad deterioration of “Victor Fox ” at Cosford you get the feeling it will not be many years before there will, perhaps be only Victor Tango” at Duxford left to view. But like a previous comment regarding miracles I believe that the “mission impossible” can be made “mission possible”.
Every success to those who are at the helm of this project.