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Aviation History
1954
1954 - 1628.PDF
4 June 1954 721 "Flight" photographs (Centre) Auster Aircraft chief technician F. Watkin does most of the work connected with the competition; he is seen opposite his wife and daughter, checking watches at the reception of Messrs. Johnston and Edwards of the Fair Oaks club. (Left) E. A. Cowan and G. A. Farley changed places this year and were awarded third prize; in previous Auster/Ragosine contests they have won second and first prizes. (Right) The only Service participants were Capt. A. S. Everett and J/Tech. L. G. 8. Snuggs, of 661 A.O.P. Squadron, Kenley. They flew a silver Auster T.7. PUZZLE CORNER —for Auster Crews: The Ragosine Trophy Competition TPHIS year's Ragosine/Auster Homing Trophy competition was » flown off last Saturday afternoon, from Auster's Rearsby, Leics, airfield. A record number of Auster owners or operators entered and, in spite of not-too-favourable weather, 35 actually participated. As in previous years, the groundwork of the contest had been largely carried out by Auster's chief technician, Mr. F. Watkin, acting as competition secretary. Each year the task set seems to be harder, and this year was no exception. After take-off, each participant had to count the number of single-track and double-track railways between Rearsby and Elmdon, while keeping an eye open for a series of old buildings—of which photographs were provided—situated round the course. Various other tasks faced the competitors over the succeeding legs to a point 3,700 yd east of Warwick airfield, on to Foxton —across a blanked-off region on the quarter-inch map—and then to Market Harborough. At this last point competitors were allowed to open another envelope of instructions, which began "This is the shock! Cancel all briefing instructions, and go back to count the lock gates on the Grand Union Canal at Foxton . . ." and so on, until Rearsby was again reached, the landing being a power-off, full-flap affair from 1,000ft on to a spread parachute. Even then, there remained a hurricane 60- second "last straw" interrogation. In spite of all this, the winners lost only 27 points; they were N. A. L. Thome and L. True, of Leicester Aero Club, flying an Autocrat. They received the Ragosine/Auster trophy, a silver replica, and cash prizes of £20 (pilot) and £10 (passenger); in addition, the fact that they were flying a Cirrus-engined Autocrat gained them the handsome Cirrus Trophy and replica. The next-best competitors tied with 33 points lost; but, owing to the fact that A. H. Jelly and J. P. Gill (who flew a blue J.4) had fewer flying hours, they were awarded second place. Third place went to the other 33-point pair, E. A. Cowan and G. A. Farley (Autocar), who had changed seats in relation to the 1951 and 1953 contents, when they gained first and third places respectively. Other prizewinners included: Best timekeeping, T. F. Ringer, a Norfolk farmer who was only 1J min out altogether, using D.R. throughout. Best observation, J. D. H. Radford, whose passenger, Miss Z. Paddon, won the ladies' prize of a fine picnic hamper and also received a year's subscription to Flight for the best passenger observation. Novice's prize, G. E. Jervis, of the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, with G. E. D. Bonham-Carter as passenger. Best "first year" participant and passenger, D. L. Pratt and P. G. Hardie-Bick. In addition, all passengers were asked, at the last turning point, to write an essay giving their views on the Ragosine/Auster com petition; some of these made most entertaining reading, and I. C. Davenport's effort was rewarded with the prize of a pen. THE PERCIVAL RALLY AT Luton, on Saturday, the "At Home" for owners and pilots of Percival-built aircraft was attended by some 25 machines, the ubiquitous Proctor types forming the majority. The arrival contest was won by Mr. G. P. Reece in his Proctor 5 G-AIEP, flown from Cambridge, and the same machine went on to win the Concours d'Elegance. For Service aircraft, the arrival prize was won by S/L. Paston Williams in Air Chief Marshal Sir Basil Embry's personal Pembroke; while in the Concours a special award was made to the Prince belonging to the Standard Motor Company and flown by Capt. W. Poulter. Demonstrations by various Percival aircraft followed. Jean Batten's Gull G-ADPR, a Proctor, Prentice prototype, Provost and Pembroke were displayed respectively by pilots Joe Arnold, W/C. A. N. Kingwill, Barry Radley, R. G. Wheldon and Lt. Oliver, R.N. The customarily polished aerobatic display by "Dicky" Wheldon in the Provost was not omitted. The prizes were presented by Mrs. C. P. M. Hunting, wife of one of the Hunting-Percival directors, who also welcomed the guests from Luton and farther afield. A brief speech on behalf of the guests was made by Dr. Charles Hill, M.P. for Luton. PEMBROKES FOR SWEDEN A CONTRACT for "a substantial number" of Pembrokes has been signed between Hunting Percival Aircraft, Ltd., and the Swedish Government on behalf of the Royal Swedish Air Force. Normally equipped for the carriage of eight passengers in rearward-facing seats, these particular Pembrokes will be provided with accommodation for ten. Since the Pembroke (two Alvis Leonides) first went into R.A.F. service in 1952 the type has also been supplied to the Royal Belgian Air Force and Southern Rhodesian Air Force. The Royal Swedish Air Force is thus the fourth to adopt the Pembroke. LONDON AEROPLANE CLUB CHANGES HANDS TT may now be announced officially that the London Aeroplane *• Club, operating from Panshanger airfield, Hertfordshire, has, together with all its assets, been acquired by Mr. J. N. ("Nat") Somers. Pending negotiations with the Town and Country Plan ning authorities and others, the ownership of the airfield itself has not yet changed. In pre-war days, when the London Club was at Hatfield—where it enjoyed the use of particularly pleasant premises now immured amid buildings comprising the de Havilland works—it was among the most active and best known, for both flying and social acti vities. Although its present site at Panshanger is not quite so convenient as was Hatfield, there are available nevertheless a pleasant clubhouse, hangarage, a restaurant, bar and the usual facilities. The fleet at present comprises five Tigers, two Chipmunks, one Hornet and one Autocrat. The C.F.I, is Mr. D. H. Macbeath (telephone Essendon 301 or 305), and the chief engineer is Mr. George Hart, who also serves the de Havilland Technical School, which likewise uses Panshanger.
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