Prototype, registered Nov.1927. First flew 14 Feb.1928. To Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment, Felixstowe for trials 15 March 1928, after completion of which it landed on the Thames between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridges on 1 August 1928 and was moored by Westminster Bridge for three days so that Members of Parliament could inspect an aircraft intended to forge important links across the Empire. Handed over to Imperial Airways 9 Aug.1928. During a night stop in Mirabello Bay, Crete on 28 Dec.1936 it was damaged beyond repair while moored in a storm and rough seas.

The Short S.8 Calcutta prototype, wearing the aircraft type name. Photo published in Flight in April 1929. Airframe named City of Alexandria by Imperial Airways. Bristol Jupiter engines eventually replaced by Armstrong Siddeley Tiger engines, see other picture.

'Pilots of Imperial Airways who are to make experimental flights [using Short Empire flying boats] in preparation for the proposed transatlantic air service are undergoing special training at Hamble, near Southampton.' This machine was the Calcutta prototype, first flown on 14 February 1928. It entered Imperial Airways service on 9 August 1928 and was damaged beyond repair in December 1936 in a storm while moored in the Gulf of Mirabello, Crete. Photo from: Toronto Star