1) Message received on 19/01/2014
Good evening
I have been looking at the various
photo albums reproduced on your website.
I am particularly interested in
Album No 2, Image No 1 from Tom Meek.
This portrays Wg Cdr George Hedley
Stainforth (right) standing by his Beaufighter.
George was the Great Uncle of my
late partner, and a notable test pilot before the war. The caption is slightly
incorrect. He did not win the Schneider Trophy, that went to another team mate.
George did however take the World Airspeed Record at 407.5 mph a few days
later, flying the Supermarine S6B racing seaplane. He had 93 types in his
logbook.
The photograph indicated
above is probably the last picture taken of him alive, as he was killed in
Beaufighter X7700 shortly afterwards. He ran out of fuel at night and both crew
bailed but at too low an altitude for their chutes to open. He is buried
at Alexandria.
He has another great nephew, Gordon
Stainforth, who lives in Belper, Derbyshire, England. He is an author and
photoographer and is currently working on a book about George. Having seen this
photo, it would be fitting to include it in the forthcoming book.
May I have your permission to
forward a copy of the photo for inclusion in the book? If so, please
advise what credits should be shown in the caption.
(The family have a military history
going back before the Battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings in 1066, and
every major land battle in English History since. Gordon's father paradropped
at Arnhem.)
Many thanks
Frank Bell
