I first became interested in aircraft at the age of 8 years when a DH82A Tiger Moth regularly flew over my parents’ house towing a glider from Twinwoods in Bedfordshire. I then took notice of all the various research aircraft flying around from RAE Thurleigh. I would jump on my bicycle in the holidays and cycle to RAE Thurleigh and watch from the boundary fence the many varying types of aircraft flying, security was tight in those days, so binoculars had to be concealed when looking for serial numbers.
Later on I started to attend airshows at Chelveston, Upwood or Waterbeach. As the years went by my interest grew and, following like-minded others, I started aircraft spotting, visiting many airfields and airshows. Taking my camera on my visits meant that I could now not only write down the details but had the evidence on film.
My ambition was complete when I enlisted into the RAF as an Air Traffic Controller in 1967, I completed 22 years and during this time it gave me a great opportunity to photograph many military and civilian aircraft.
My general aim has always been to photograph all types of aircraft and maintain a record on film of each particular type built, which in many cases proved a difficult task.
Further to the history, you will note the same aircraft may have been photographed more than once, this has been done to capture the best position with available light, also markings, units, and overall colour schemes change, all of which I have tried to cover in its history of operation.
Enjoy looking through my collection.
