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G-AKBO - A BRIEF HISTORY
Arguably the most historic Miles Messenger extant in flying condition, G-AKBO has a fascinating history. The M.38 Messenger Mk.2A, c/n 6378 was built in 1947 at Newtownards, N.Ireland and made its first flight from there, by Charles O. Powis on 19th August 1947. Registered G-AKBO to Air Schools Ltd, Burnaston in July 1947, its first C of A was issued on 4th September 1947. G-AKBO was flown in numerous air races including a fourth place by Blackburn Aircraft Ltd's test pilot F/L Harold 'Timber' Wood in the Welsh Air Derby at Fairwood Common on 5th June 1954 at an average speed of 125.5 mph, followed by the aircraft winning the King's Cup Air Race in September 1954 at an average speed of 134 mph.
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The winning details for the King's Cup Air Race on the cowling.
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In 1964, G-AKBO also starred in the opening sequences of the film 633 Squadron (a film about a Squadron of Mosquito bombers assigned to bomb a German heavy water plant in Norway which is shielded by a mountain and guarded by heavy anti-aircraft defenses).
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633 Squadron memorabilia and a couple of screen shots showing the aircraft in action.
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Following a succession of owners, G-AKBO was acquired by Clive du Cros, Hullavington in 1985 who restored it to flying condition between 1986 and April 1987. First flown after its rebuild by Pete Thorn on 7th July 1987 and its C of A was issued on 17th July 1987.
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G-AKBO has had many colour schemes
during its life, here are a few of them:
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Unknown location, 1960s/70s
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G-AKBO was maintained in airworthy condition still wearing its 1954 King's Cup winning details on the cowling. After being owned by Peter Holloway & Partners of the 'Bravo Oscar' syndicate at Turweston, G-AKBO was then based at The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden were it was displayed throughout 2001, before being sold to Team Merlin. In 2002 the aircraft was temporarily moved to Turweston whilst a more permanent home was being found.
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G-AKBO was featured in a few press articles around this time, a couple of magazine covers from this appear here.
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