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.

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.