Another photo of the prototype of the large Ensign airliner, a type that the Brits seem to have had high hopes for just before World War II. It was not a long-range aircraft. Photo from: Armstrong Whitworth

The AW.27 Ensign was built at Hamble as the new Armstrong Whitworth factory at Coventry was busy with the Whitley bomber. The prototype, G-ADSR, was flown to Coventry a few days after its maiden flight. It seems to be on display for the general public here as it is roped off and guarded by bobbies. Part of the nosecone is missing. Photo from: Central Press / Dan Shumaker collection

The AW.27 was a large airliner first flown in January 1938. Ensign was the name given to the prototype by Imperial Airways, making this the 'class name'. The type's service debut was embarassing - three Ensigns carrying the Christmas 1938 mail for Australia all broke down. The Armstrong Siddeley Tiger engines were eventually replaced by Wright Cyclones. The 14 Ensigns built did transport work in WWII, including during the British evacuation from France in 1940.