In 1946 RG815 undertook a mission to liaise with RAF radio units between Britain and New Zealand and demonstrate the latest advances in radio communications. The presence of a Bristol 170 with Type C roundels suggests this may be RAF Defford where early production Bristols VR380 and VR382 were based. RG815 was also known to be based there at times. Photo by: Ronald D. H. Campbell via Colin Bookless

The third DH.86 Express. Early single-pilot model with short nose. Fitted with auxiliary fins probably in 1937. Postcard.

Photographed on the Medway by aero engineer R.S. Robinson.

The upper component of the Short-Mayo Composite, the S.20 is rarely treated in its own right and has even been confused with the S.22 Scion Senior. The sole S.20, Mercury first flew solo on 5 September 1937 and was launched by G-ADHK Maia for the first time on 20 January 1938. When taking off solo, its gross weight was 7031 kg (15,500 lb) but launch weight from Maia was up to 12,160 kg (26,800 lb), allowing a 9728 km (6045 miles) flight to South Africa. In 1940 the aircraft was assigned to the RAF's 320 (Dutch) Sqn, but it does not seem to have been used and was scrapped in 1941. Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum