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McCarthy Island (seed boat in river)
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McCarthy Island (seed boat in river)
McCarthy Island (seed boat in river). 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 9904843
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library) / Mary Evans Picture Library
1931 Abgf Blackburn Bluebird Delphine Hanworth Mccarthy Pilot Pudney Reynolds Seed Survey Miss
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment of respite for Miss Delphine Reynolds and her pilot, W.G. Pudney, on McCarthy Island in West Africa during their daring 1931 survey flight in the Blackburn Bluebird IV, registration number G-ABGF. Departing from Hanworth in England on 1 March 1931, they embarked on a perilous journey down the West African coast, with the ultimate destination being Bathurst, Gambia. Once there, Short floats were fitted to enable them to continue their mission in the challenging terrain and waterways. As they made their way through Sierra Leone, the metal airframe of the Bluebird IV began to corrode beyond repair, forcing them to seek refuge on McCarthy Island. In this moment, a seed boat comes to their aid, providing essential supplies and assistance as they prepared for the next leg of their journey. The Blackburn Bluebird IV, a two-seat biplane, was a versatile aircraft that saw service in both civilian and military roles. Its open cockpit and wooden construction made it well-suited for the demanding conditions of the African climate, but the harsh environment ultimately proved to be its undoing. Despite the challenges they faced, Miss Reynolds and Mr. Pudney persevered, demonstrating remarkable courage and determination in the face of adversity. This photograph serves as a testament to their spirit and the ingenuity of aviation technology in the early 20th century.
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