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Natives repair tailplane (McCarthy Island)
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Natives repair tailplane (McCarthy Island)
Natives repair tailplane (McCarthy Island). Miss Delphine Reynolds and her pilot, W.G. Pudney, took off from Hanworth on 1 March 1931 in Blackburn Bluebird IV, G-ABGF, for a survey flight down the West African coast, via Tangier to Bathurst, Gambia, where Short floats were fitted. After two and a half months in Sierra Leone the metal airframe had corroded beyond repair. Date: 1931
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Media ID 9904841
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library) / Mary Evans Picture Library
1931 Abgf Blackburn Bluebird Delphine Hanworth Mccarthy Natives Pilot Pudney Repair Reynolds Survey Tailplane Miss
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, taken in 1931, we find Miss Delphine Reynolds and her pilot, W.G. Pudney, engaged in a determined repair effort on the tailplane of their Blackburn Bluebird IV aircraft (registration number G-ABGF) on McCarthy Island. The image captures a moment of resilience and resourcefulness, as the natives of the island lend a hand to the intrepid explorers in their time of need. The Blackburn Bluebird IV had taken off from Hanworth on 1 March 1931, embarking on a survey flight down the West African coast, with the ultimate destination being Bathurst, Gambia. Once there, Short floats were to be fitted to the aircraft for continued exploration and transportation along the waterways. However, after two and a half months in Sierra Leone, the metal airframe of the Bluebird IV had corroded beyond repair. With no choice but to address the issue, Miss Reynolds and Mr. Pudney enlisted the help of the local natives to repair the damaged tailplane. The photograph shows the team working together, with the natives using simple tools and their collective strength to bend and shape the metal back into shape. The determination in their eyes and the focus of their efforts speak volumes about their shared commitment to get the aircraft back in the air. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the spirit of adventure and the ingenuity required during early aviation expeditions. Despite the challenges they faced, Miss Reynolds and Mr. Pudney persevered, relying on their skills and the support of the local community to keep their exploration alive.
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