ALEX HENSHAW

Alex Henshaw was a Golden Age Record Breaker In 1938 he won the Kings Cup Air Race flying a highly modified Percival Mew Gull, setting the fastest ever time. After the race he decided to concentrate on the World Solo record from London to Capetown and back again.

In February 1939 he set off in the specially prepared Mew Gull on what still stands today as one of the greatest flights of all time, navigating by stopwatch and compass and operating a demanding aeroplane he flew in to unknown and unprepared strips. Despite the almost insurmountable difficulties smashed the existing records so comprehensively that they stood for 70 years.

Henshaw endured incredible physical discomfort because of the cramped cockpit and because of sickness and fatigue. The flight stands as a testament to the halcyon days of British Sport Aviation.

Upon his return to England Henshaw became the renowned Spitfire production Test pilot at Castle Bromwich for which he recieved an MBE. He has written two great books about Spitfire Test flying and the Cape records.