The prototype Comet emerges from the De Havilland Experimental Shop at Hartfield, UK on 25th July 1949 - two days before its first flight. (De Havilland Photo 4222)

2nd prototype Comet, built 1950. Dismantled at Hatfield March 1957, relocated to Farnborough for RAE radio test work. To aid this, the fin from Comet 1XB XM829 (msn 06021) was fitted, ex-Stansted Fire School. When the RAE purchased Comet 4 G-APDF as XV814, G-ALZK was used as a mock-up to trial test equipment installation. Since it's own cockpit had been stripped it was fitted with that from C.2 XK669 (06024) ex-Brize Norton. It left Farnborough for Woodford in the early 70s for use in the Nimrod programme and was scrapped there c.1975. Note Provost T.1 fuselage WV577 "22" alongside, ex-ETPS.

The second prototype, fitted with an RAF Comet cockpit section and fin for trials work. The fuselage was later scrapped. Provost T1 WV577 lies alongside.

Seen at Palmietfontein in the then Transvaal in 1952, Yoke Peter carried out the very first commercial flight operated by a jet aircraft on 2 May 1952 flying from London Airport (today's LHR) via Rome, Beirut, Khartoum, Entebbe and Livingstone before landing at Johannesburg's Palmietfontein Airport almost 24 hours after take off.

G-ALYU was the airframe put in a water tank for metal fatigue research following the crash of G-ALYP in January 1954. Note that KLM had their own stairs at Johannesburg's temporary airport. Photo from: Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

The Comet prototype, rolled out at Hatfield on 25 July 1949 and first flown two days later. Photo from: Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

The second prototype built in 1950. Delivered to BOAC in April 1951. This a/c carried out 500hrs of crew training and route proving. PWFU 24th March 1958. Shown fitted with non standard nose and tail plane. For trials work -? Note the Provost T.1 fuselage (WV577/22) alongside Scanned from a colour slide.

The second prototype of the DH.106 Comet during its first visit to Palmietfontein in July 1951, while on proving flights. Note the large single mainwheels and the square cabin windows.

The prototype Comet 1 wearing its initial "B Conditions" G-5-1 on a test flight nine days after its maiden flight. Re-registered G-ALVG. After many test flights, it was broken up at RAE Farnborough in July 1953. Obtained from DH 60 years ago.

The first production Comet 1 (nearest) first flew on 9 January 1951. It was delivered to BOAC on 13 March 1952 and performed the world's first scheduled jet airliner flight Heathrow-Johannesburg on 2 May 1952. It crashed on 10 January 1954 after structural failure near Elba after take-off from Rome. DH's Comet 1 prototypes G-ALVG and G-ALZK (far) complete the then world-beating formation of this, the most beautiful jetliner built. Each has a slightly different fin scheme. Obtained from DH 50 years ago.

The first production Comet 1 at Heathrow North being prepared for another scheduled flight. An Air France Sud Languedoc overflies the airport. From DH 60 years ago.

The surviving BOAC Comet 1s were stored after the early 1954 crashes. G-ALYW wears full BOAC markings under the plastic cocooning. It was scrapped in 1955.

Comet 1 being towed to Heathrow North for another scheduled service. Withdrawn in April 1954 after the Comet crashes.

The prototype Comet 1 which first flew on 27 July 1949. It wears the "Speedbird" symbol of the launch customer, BOAC, on its nose. From DH Aircraft 60 years ago.