Only eight aircraft took part in the 1953 London to Christchurch Air Race. From left to right Canberra B.20s A84-201 / 5 and A84-202 / 4, Canberra PR.3s WE139 / 3 and WE142 / 2, Canberra PR.7 WH773 / 1, Hastings NZ5804 / 22, DC-6A PH-TGA / 21 of KLM and Viscount G-AMAV / 23 of BEA. The DH Comet in the background was not a participant. WE139 won the speed race and KLM the handicap race. Photo from: Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

PH-TGA at the finish line of the 1953 London-Christchurch air race. Photo from: RNZAF/Air Force Museum of New Zealand

G-AMAV at the finish line of the UK-NZ air race. Photo from: RNZAF/Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Leased by BEA from Vickers-Armstrongs to participate as entrant No. 23 in the London to Christchurch NZ Air Race of October 1953. It was returned to V-A in 11.53 and was retired in 10.60.

The first GAF-built Canberra B.20 wearing 'No.5' for the 1953 England-Christchurch NZ air race. "Australian Canberra" marked on its nose. The initial Heathrow central area terminals are seen under construction in the background.

40 Squadron RNZAF Hastings C.3 competing in the 1953 London-Christchurch air race. Beginnings of central area construction in the background and a BOAC Comet 1.