River Mersey
Note: This map only gives the position of Liverpool city centre within the UK.
RIVER MERSEY: Temporary water airport
Location: Presumably fairly close to the city centre?
NOTES: From the 24th Sept to 4th Oct 1928 Imperial Airways operated an experimental airline service to Belfast, (landing in the MUSGRAVE CHANNEL), to coincide with Liverpool Civic Week. Passengers, (and air mail), were carried with the single fare being £3 10s and a return £6.10s. What would this be the equivalent of today?
Well, using the Bank of England inflation table, it would be around £200 for the one-way ticket. Which certainly seems realistic.
WHAT AIRCRAFT WAS USED?
As it turns out, so far (in 2019) impossible to say. I had assumed it would be a 'proper' flying boat but in my research I came across stamps for sale, used on this service. One was on a postcard giving details saying that the aircraft was "Calcutta". So presumably a Short S.8 Calcutta which Imperial certainly operated, the first example flying in January 1928.
BUT, the illustration shows a de Havilland DH50J, with a caption saying it is similar to that used by Alan Cobham on his Africa tour. The problem being that Cobham did use a DH50J, G-EBFO, but used it as a landplane. However, this was later fitted with floats for a trip to Australia. And indeed, Imperial did also use examples of the DH50J too.
I only mention this to illustrate just how frustrating it can often be trying to get even a small and basic entry such a this, 'fit for purpose' as an entry to this 'Guide'. No doubt I could travel to Liverpool from my home in London and find the answer in next to no time in the main library.
However, I suspect I can remain seated and some kind soul will provide the answer?
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
