De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, G-AEAL / 6325, Hunting Aerosurveys Ltd.
This picture is © Air-Britain J M Gradidge Collection and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: G-AEAL
Construction Number: 6325
Model De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
Operator: Hunting Aerosurveys Ltd.
Airport: Elstree Airfield (EGTR), UK - England
Photographer: Air-Britain J M Gradidge Collection
Date Taken: 14/03/1953
Date Submitted: 02/01/2021
A number of publications have credited this Rapide with flying the very first scheduled service for Derby Avition. This is incorrect. G-AEAL was on long term maintenance at Wolverhampton from when it was sold by Huntings until 28 July 1955 the day I saw it leave for Derby in red primer. No photo of it has ever appeared in Derby Aviation markings and it was very soon sold abroad. The Rapide which did fly the first scheduled service was G-ALGE, flown by Captain E W A Lines.
Picture ID:1739481