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Newsletter 25
Autumn 2009
Updated on 11Oct2009
Published by the Hawker Association
for the Members.
Contents © Hawker Association

Contents
Editorial
America - Washington DC
Book Reviews
Correction
Demon News
F-35 lightning II News
Harrier 40th Anniversary
Harrier News
Hawk News
Hawkers In The '50s Part 2
    Incidents
    Filming
    Racing
    Engines
Kestrel Evaluation Squadron
Members
Programme
Sea Fury News
Summer Barbecue
Air Races
      In 1951 the Festival of Britain air races were to be held at Hatfield and our Hurricane, (PZ865, 'The Last of the Many') in its royal blue and gold colours, was entered by HRH Princess Margaret. Peter Townsend was to fly the machine and on the Friday before the races I had the job of preparing it. After washing it down, paying particular attention to the wings and tailplane, I then had to wax polish everything to give the highest gloss finish possible. The day was very hot and the work exhausting.
    Margaret brought Peter down from London, dropping him off at the start of Sutton Lane. I was instructed to go up the tower to collect his clothes, case, umbrella and bowler hat once he had changed into flying gear, and put everything in the Rapide which was going to Hatfield.

Hawkers In The '50s, Part 2
Incidents, Filming , Racing, and Engines

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      Climbing upstairs I was amazed to see Neville Duke with bowler on and swinging the umbrella, emulating 'Burlington Bertie'. I explained what I was there for so he loaded me up, bowler on my head, case and clothes in my arms and umbrella hooked onto one elbow.
    As I turned to leave, Mr Clarke the manager of Langley, stood at the door with a puzzled look on his face. I explained, thanked him for holding the door and set off down the stairs. Charlie Ayers and some fitters were waiting down below, saw what they thought was Peter Townsend and stood by to help. When they realised they had got the wrong Peter you can well imagine what was said.
    With typical English summer weather the Saturday was low cloud and heavy drizzle so the air racing couldn't go ahead. All that effort for nothing!