comper swifts in australia - geoff goodall`s aviation history site

Last updated 7.1.15
COMPER SWIFTS IN AUSTRALIA
Compiled by Geoff Goodall
Comper Swift VH-ACG at a country airshow at Blythe SA in October 1963. Owner Bob Burnett-Read conducts a
power run of the Gipsy III engine, while a youthful compiler prepares to hold the tailplane, because the aircraft
had no brakes. Paint scheme at this time was all silver with blue trim.
Photo by John M. Smith
Designed by Flt Lt. Nicholas Comper, who while flying in the RAF, designed a series of
lightweight aircraft designs prior to his C.L.A.7 Swift. It was a diminutive high performance sporting
aircraft. On completion of his military service, he established Comper Aircraft Co Ltd with a small
factory at Hooton Park Aerodrome, Wirral, Cheshire. The Swift was wooden construction covered
with plywood and fabric. The wings could be folded to reduce hangar space. The engine on the
production models was a 75 hp Pobjoy R seven cylinder geared radial, noted for its reliability and
minimal vibration, driving a fixed pitch wooden propeller.
Comper Swifts made their mark in British air racing in the 1930s, and Comper produced three
specialised racer Gipsy Swifts with the much more powerful 120hp DeHavilland Gipsy III engine.
VH-ACG was from this trio. A total of 45 Swifts were built between 1930-1934, production moving to
Heston Aerodrome, Middlesex in January 1933.
The first Comper seen in Australia was G-ABRE in which a young Arthur Butler made a record
breaking flight from England in October-November 1931. Butler was an Australian engineer and pilot
who had sailed to England to find employment in the aviation industry. Nicholas Comper loaned him
G-ABRE for the record attempt to publicise the aircraft. Arthur Butler subsequently established Butler Air
Transport Co which grew into a significant passenger airline with DC-3s, Herons, Ambassadors and
Viscounts before Ansett Airways gained control in 1958 and it was renamed Airlines of NSW.
G-ABRE departed Lympne on 31 October 1931 at 5.10am local time, and reached Darwin,
Northern Territory on 9 November at 4.23pm local time, breaking the previous record time by 2
hours. It was the smallest aircraft ever to fly between the two countries. The press delighted in
reporting that Butler had worn carpet slippers during the flight. He then flew on to Sydney, landing
en route at the small NSW town of Tooraweenah to visit a young lady. He refuelled at the roadside
pumps at the town general store and proposed to the store owner's daughter. To publicise the
Swift, Butler took G-ABRE on an eight week tour across Australia to Perth and return to Sydney,
mobbed by the public at each stop. The Comper was then shipped back to England.
Two other Swifts were to attempt the flight from England to Australia, in 1935 and 1981. Both
pilots hoped to beat Arthur Butler’s record but each was forced to abandoned their flights after several
days, due to weather and forced landings. Details are at the end of the main listing.
Three Comper Swifts were registered in Australia. Two survive, with the same owner in Sydney.
Bob Burnett-Read of Adelaide, President of the Vintage Aircraft Club and then owner of VH-ACG
wrote in 1964: "She is a delightful aeroplane to fly - after the first initiation! Visibility forward is not the
best but it constitutes no real problem. Taxiing can be tricky on hard surfaces, but in the air she
handles like a dream. I have landed in all sorts of paddocks and surfaces and it performed perfectly.
It could be looped from level flight by simply opening the throttle and pulling back on the stick."
G-ABRE
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c/n S.31/8
Built Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire by Comper Aircraft Co Ltd as a C.L.A.7 Swift.
75hp Pobjoy R
Fitted at the factory with additional fuel tanks and oil tanks for extra range at the factory,
Also a tank for fresh water. Maximum AUW increased from standard 985 lbs to 1160 lbs.
Agreement between Nicholas Comper of Comper Aircraft Co Ltd and Australian C. A. Butler
who had travelled to England seeking aviation employment, but now wanted to return to
Australia: G-ABRE would be loaned to Butler for an attempt on the England-Australia record
to promote the capabilities of the Comper Swift.
(Butler had previously flown Swift G-AAZF at Hooton Park 9.10.31)
Registered G-ABRE The Comper Aircraft Co Ltd, Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire
CofA issued
Loaned to C. Arthur Butler for an attempt on the England-Australia record.
Sponsored by Mobil, carried "Mobiloil" inscription and the name Gargoyle
The following flight details are extracted from C. A. Butler’s pilot logbook:
G-ABRE Hooton Park-Heston-Lympne
Local flight Lympne, and again the following day
Butler departed Lympne at 5.10am local time on solo flight to Australia.
Refuelled Marseilles (flying time 5hr 5 mins, overnight Naples (6 hrs 10 mins)
Naples-Brindisi (2hrs 30 mins)-Athens (3 hrs 45 mins)
Athens-Aleppo (7 hrs 30 mins)-Baghdad (4 hrs 20 mins)
Baghdad-Basra (3 hrs 20 mins)-Jask (7 hrs 15 mins)
Jaska-Karachi (6 hrs 00 mins)-Jhansi (7hrs 5 mins)
Jhansi-Calcutta (6 hrs 55 mins)-Akyab (3hrs 35 min)
Akyab-Rangoon (3 hrs 45 mins-Victoria Point (7 hrs 00 mins)
Victoria Point-Singapore (6 hrs 50 mins)-Batavia (6 hrs 5 mins)
Batavia-Sourabaya (4 hrs 5 mins)-Bima (5 hrs 5 mins)
Bima-Koepang (4 hrs 55 mins)-Darwin 4 hrs 55 mins)
Butler landed at Darwin at 4.23pm local time. Record breaking time from England: 9 days
2 hours 20 minutes.
Darwin-Newcastle Waters Station (4 hrs 30 mins)-Brunette Downs Station (2 hrs 25 mins)Camooweal (2 hrs 00mins)
Camooweal-Longreach (6 hrs 00mins). Starboard undercarriage was damaged when it
struck a mound on takeoff at Camooweal, and collapsed on landing at Longreach.
Repairs carried out at Longreach.
Longreach-Charleville-Bourke-Nyngan-Tooraweenah (total 7 hrs 00 mins)
Landed at the small town of Tooraweenah NSW at 3.40pm local time, to visit his future wife.
Tooraweenah was later to be handsomely served by post-war airline services when Butler’s
airline Butler Air Transport covered a network of NSW rural routes.
Tooraweenah-Narromine (50 mins)
Narromine-Lithgow-Hargrave Air Park-Mascot Aerodrome
A Sydney arrival celebration was held at Hargrave Air Park, near Liverpool, before a crowd
of 15,000. Flying displays were given by aero club aircraft and five aircraft escorted G-ABRE
as Butler flew over the city. On arrival at Hargrave Air Park, Butler gave an aerobatic display
before landing for a formal welcome from a large official party.
Late in the afternoon Butler flew G-ABRE to Mascot Aerodrome (10 mins flying time)
As part of his agreement with Nicholas Comper, Butler commenced an 8 week tour of
Australia in G-ABRE, covering 22,967 miles. Butler promoted the merits of the Comper Swift
at each stop.
A new company Swift Aircraft (Australia), 74 Pitt Street, Sydney was formed as sole sales
agent for Comper Aircraft. Managing Director is Esmond B. Wilshire.
Mascot-Richmond RAAF Station-Mascot
Mascot-Goulburn-Cootamundra-Benalla-Essendon Aerodrome, Melbourne
Essendon-Seymour-Cootamundra
Cootamundra NSW was Arthur Butler’s home at the time, and in 1934 it became the base
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of his newly formed airline Butler Air Transport Pty Ltd, which won the Empire Air Mail
contract for the Cootamundra-Charleville sector, using two DH.84 Dragons.
Cootamundra-Narromine-Gilgandra-Tooraweenah
Tooraweenah-Mascot
Mascot-Newcastle-Taree-Kempsey-Grafton-Lismore
Lismore-Newcastle-Mudgee-Dubbo-Tooraweenah
Tooraweenah-Parkes-Young-Cootamundra
Cootamundra-Canberra-Temora-Junee-Wagga Wagga
Wagga Wagga-Gundagai-Albury-Narrandera-Hay
Butler had been previously based at Hay NSW as a mechanic for the pioneer Australian
Aerial Services airline route between Adelaide and Sydney.
Hay-Hillston-Broken Hill. Local flight at Broken Hill
Broken Hill-Adelaide
Adelaide-Ceduna-Forrest
Forrest-Kalgoorlie-Maylands Aerodrome, Perth to a large welcoming crowd
Maylands Aerodrome-Subiaco Aerodrome (Perth suburbs)-Maylands. Two local flights
Perth-Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie-Forrest-Ceduna-Adelaide
Adelaide-Mount Gambier-Nhill-Ballarat
Ballarat-Bendigo-Tooraweenah
Tooraweenah-Brisbane, landed at Archerfield Aerodrome
Brisbane-Maryborough-Bundaberg-Rockhampton
Rockhampton-Mackay-Townsville
Townsville-Ayr-Rockhampton
Rockhampton-Brisbane-Toowoomba
Toowoomba-Wee Waa
Wee Waa-Tooraweenah
Tooraweenah-Sydney (Mascot)
Mascot-Newcastle
Newcastle-Mascot. Last flight in Australia.
G-ABRE shipped back to England to the Comper Aircraft Co Ltd
Registered G-ABRE Victor Smith, Cape Town, South Africa c/- The Comper Aircraft Co Ltd,
Hooton Park, Cheshire
Usual station of aircraft shown as Cape Town, South Africa
Victor Smith departed Croydon Aerodrome, London on a flight to Cape Town, attempting to
beat Amy Mollison's Cape record
Damaged in forced landing near St. Malo, France and abandoned the record attempt
Repaired in England
Victor Smith departed Atlantic Park, Southampton on second attempt on the Cape Town
record
Crashed in night landing at Oran, Algeria, badly damaged, Smith injured
Repaired in England
Victor Smith departed Lympne on his third attempt on the Cape Town record
Force landed due fuel starvation 160 miles north of Cape Town. He was unable to obtain
fuel in time to reach Cape Town in record time.
Aircraft stored on a farm
Victor Smith departed Cape Town for England
Forced landing due engine failure at La Aguera, Spanish Sahara, 50 miles north of Port
Etienne, Mauritania. Hope set off to walk to Port Etienne, reaching there on a camel.
Aircraft presumed abandoned
Struck-off British Register by the Ministry
G-ABRE’s original port undercarriage leg is held in storage by the Powerhouse Museum,
Sydney, probably left over from the repair at Longreach in November 1931
G-ABRE at Parafield Aerodrome, Adelaide SA in December 1931, during Arthur Butler's Australian
promotional tour. Arthur is seen at rear, wearing flying gear.
Civil Aviation Historical Society of SA
G-ABRE at Maylands Aerodrome, Perth.
Geoff Goodall collection
G-ABRE at Forrest WA on the Nullabor Plain, December 1931, en route to Perth. Arthur Butler (right)
with West Australian Airways Captain Jimmy Woods. James Woods collection via State Library of WA
Forrest WA with a West Australian Airways DH.66 Hercules in the hangar behind. Posing in the cockpit
is Mollie Woods, wife of WAA pilot Jimmy Woods.
James Woods collection via State Library of WA
VH-UZB
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Bendigo Vic.
Maurice Austin collection
Bendigo Vic.
Maurice Austin Collection
c/n S.31/6
Built Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire by Comper Aircraft Co Ltd as a C.L.A.7 Swift.
75hp Pobjoy R
Registered G-ABPY The Hon Brian Lewis t/a Brian Lewis & Co Ltd, Heston
CofA issued
Flew with Alan Cobham's Cobham National Aviation Day displays, giving displays across
Britain. G-ABPY was fitted with a radio so that spectators' requests for special maneuvers
could be passed to the pilot Flt Lt Turner Hughes
Loaned to Richard Shuttleworth
Shuttleworth departed Old Warden for flight to India to compete in the Viceroy Trophy Race.
Painted silver and blue. Flew to India in company with Swift G-ACBY pilot George Stead.
Arrived at Delhi
Competed in Viceroy Trophy Race at Delhi. Forced to retire from race due failure of an
oil feed pipe
Shipped from India to England
Struck-off British Register
British CofA renewed
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Restored to Register G-ABPY: Harry S.Griffiths, Walshall
Change of ownership: Laurence Lipton, Gravesend. Based at Hatfield
Change of ownership: John Wilfred Waldron Hurndall, Zeals, Wiltshire
Struck-off British Register, sold to Australia
Shipped to Australia
Registered VH-UZB Flt. Lt. Archibold R. Tindal, No.1 Flying Training School,
RAAF Point Cook Vic
Flt Lt A.R.Tindal was appointed CO of No.1 Armament Training School at Cressy Vic in
July 1939. The Comper was based at the airfield, and it is reported that it was on occasions
seen in formation with the resident RAAF Hawker Demons.
Promoted to Wing Commander, Tindal was killed during a Japanese air attack on Darwin
RAAF Station on 19.2.42, while firing a hand-held machine gun from a slit trench.
A wartime airfield built near Katherine NT was named in his honour and Tindal airfield is
still in civil and RAAF use.
Change of ownership: Heaths Motors Pty Ltd, Malop Street, Geelong Vic
Heaths Motors Pty Ltd, Malop St, Geelong advertise Comper Swift for sale: Total hrs 400,
48 hrs since overhaul, first class condition throughout.
Heaths Motors advised DCA they would not be renewing the annual CofA for VH-UZB
Stored for the duration of WWII
Sold by auction to Fred Betts, Geelong
Change of ownership: Fred L. Betts, Geelong Vic (back-dated)
(Fred Betts acquired several aircraft around that time but did not complete DCA ownership
transfer paperwork)
Struck-off Register by DCA due non-notification of ownership change
Parked in static display at airshow at Fishermans Bend Aerodrome, Melbourne
Change of ownership: William McMullen, Melbourne Vic
VH-UZB is at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne
Restored to Register VH-UZB: William McMullen, Melbourne Vic
CofA renewed at Moorabbin
Crashed at Lakes Entrance Vic.
Newspaper report: Engine failed after takeoff from a golfcourse at Lakes Entrance,
pilot attempted a forced landing on a fairway of the golf course. Struck a tree, crashed
through a fence and was wrecked. Engine was thrown clear, and broken fuel lines sprayed
the wreck and pilot with petrol, but it did not ignite. Pilot Eric A. Sarau received only
minor injuries.
Struck-off Register due crash 17.12.50
The true circumstances of the accident are revealed in a letter from veteran pilot and aircraft
engineer Jim Darbyshire, published in the August 2009 edition of Flypast magazine:
"In the late 1940s I worked as an engineer with Arthur Schutt at Moorabbin Airport.
One of Arthur's clients was a well known Melbourne gangster who owned a Tiger Moth. He
was into all sorts of rackets including standover men, sly grog, brothels, gambling and
stealing. He purchased Comper Swift VH-UZB powered by a Pobjoy Niagara. The machine
needed a lot of TLC and George Bennett and I were given the task of restoring it to its
former glory. In due course the job was completed and both George and I were permitted to
fly it. The owner was delighted with the restoration and invited either George or myself to
Bairnsdale (sic) where he and his friends were to have a wild weekend. We both declined,
being not very keen on associating with the rather dubious crowd who constituted his friends.
However there was a fellow who hung about the airport who leapt at the chance of a few free
flying hours and he flew the aircraft to Bairnsdale, landing in a paddock near the golf course.
Our lad arrived with his male and female friends and a great time was had by all. He flew the
aircraft several times and on Sunday morning the ferry pilot was dropped back at the
paddock with instructions to return to Moorabbin. The entourage then set off by car for
Melbourne. The Comper had no brakes and only a tail skid, and of course no starter motor.
Our brave airman then proceeded to prop start the engine. He swung and swung with no
luck, but was progressively advancing the throttle each try. By this time the throttle was well
advanced, and with a deafening roar as the pilot ducked out of the way, the Comper
became airborne on its own. It proceeded to climb and began to circle the golf course. The
Comper was a very unstable aircraft and after several circuits it dived into the ground
smashing to pieces right in front of our now horrified pilot. The proud owner was reputed to
be a handy man with a gun and all sorts of terrible thoughts flooded through our hapless
airman's mind. But quick as a flash, he smeared himself with oil and pulled the aircraft
wreckage around him and lay groaning. Some golfers pulled him from the wreck and next
day the newspapers headlines described his miraculous escape."
Note: persistent rumours indicate that substantial remains of VH-UZB survive in storage in
Victoria
VH-UZB at an airshow at Fishermans Bends aerodrome, Melbourne in December 1947. Interestingly
It was cancelled from the Civil Register at the time. Note the mismatched paintwork on the fuselage.
Photo by Bob Fripp
VH-UVC
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c/n S.32/10
Built Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire by Comper Aircraft Co Ltd as a C.L.A.7 Swift.
75hp Pobjoy R
Registered G-ACAG The Comper Aircraft Co Ltd, Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire
Log book: First flight by Nicholas Comper
CofA issued
Extensive tour of Europe
Sold to Australia
Arrived Port Melbourne as cargo on SS Ormonde
Assembled at Essendon Aerodrome
Testflown at Essendon after assembly, pilot H.A. Rigby
Registered VH-UVC Australian Aero Club (Victorian Section), Essendon Airport, Melbourne
Australian CofA issued at Essendon
Change of name: Royal Victorian Aero Club, Essendon Airport, Melbourne Vic
Club member Edwin Brown later wrote: "During 1935-36 I started flying with Victoria Flying
School at Essendon and at that time Comper Swift VH-UVC was owned by the Royal
Victorian Aero Club. I have fond memories of watching the club instructor Roy Goon doing
aerobatics in the Swift."
Forced landing at Keilor near Essendon due engine trouble, no damage. Flown out the same
day. Pilot Hubert Boss-Walker was CFI and Manager of the aero club.
noted at Essendon
Forced landing near Seymour Vic. No damage. Pilot Fred Watkins’ report to DCA stated:
“The forced landing was due to an excessive amount of oil being thrown off the engine
rocker arms into the pilot’s face. After landing, the aircraft was swung to the right to
avoid hitting a tree.”
Propeller struck ground during landing, pilot G. Cohen. No damage to airframe.
Advertised for sale in Aircraft magazine: “Thoroughly reconditioned, just received CofA,
Total flying hours of airframe 349 hours, total engine hours 445. The aircraft may be
inspected at Ansett Airways, Commonwealth Aerodrome, Essendon.”
Application to DCA under wartime regulations by Royal Victorian Aero Club to sell VH-UVC.
It is not being flown because the war situation has reduced civilian pilot demand. Wish to
Sell for £150 to: Douglas C. Muir, c/- Stephens Aviation Ltd, Wau, New Guinea
DCA did not approve the export because of the military build-up in New Guinea.
Change of ownership: Mervyn C. Boutcher, Hamilton Vic, later Melbourne Vic
Boutcher wanted to replace the Pobjoy engine with a DH Gipsy Minor. De Havilland Aircraft
Pty Ltd, Sydney investigated the change and prepared drawings. The engine change was
not carried out.
Struck-off Register in 1947 DCA Census of non-airworthy aircraft
Purchased by H. Keith Torr, Melbourne Vic to rebuild
Torr advised DCA that the aircraft would have a 90hp DH Gipsy Minor engine installed.
Some years later Torr advised DCA that an original Pobjoy engine would be used.
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Lengthy rebuild completed at Moorabbin in 1957.
Fuselage of UVC was stored on the roof of an office inside a hangar at Moorabbin
Restored to Register VH-UVC: H. Keith Torr, Melbourne Vic
CofA renewed
noted Moorabbin, flying
noted at Moorabbin
noted at Moorabbin, flying
noted at Moorabbin, flying
Overturned during forced landing in ploughed field of a market garden adjacent to
Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne. Owner-pilot Keith Torr was unhurt.
noted at Moorabbin under repair in Brain & Brown hangar
noted at Moorabbin under repair in CFS hangar
Change of ownership: William J. Kelman, "Bonnie Doon", Yamala Qld
noted at Moorabbin outside CFS hangar, complete, new silver paint
noted at Moorabbin parked at pine trees
port undercarriage collapsed on landing at Bundaberg Qld
stored in Queensland Airplanters hangar at Bundaberg
under repair at Bundaberg by Don Adams, owner of Queensland Airplanters. He advertised
seeking parts for the Pobjoy Niagara engine
Change of ownership: Leslie A.R. Barnes, Sydney NSW
Struck-off Register at new owner's request
arrived Bankstown on a truck for rebuild by Marshall Airways
stored in Marshall Airways hangar, Bankstown awaiting restoration. By 1974 the Comper
was dismanted in a wooden crate in the hangar
Ownership transferred to Sidney Marshall after Barnes' death 10.5.75. He was the
Captain of Air Express Bristol Freighter VH-SJQ which ditched in Bass Strait en route
Melbourne-Launceston.
Ownership subsequently transferred to Jack Davidson, Sydney in settlement of Sid
Marshall's estate after his death at age 72 on 7.5.75. Sid bequeathed his aircraft collection
to Davidson who had been Marshall Airways Chief Engineer and Sid's partner since 1950.
VH-UVC continued to be stored dismantled in Marshall Airways hangar at Bankstown
Unairworthy aircraft in Davidson's Bankstown hangar were moved by road to The Oaks
aerodrome in a truck by Doug Jeffery who owned DH.82 VH-PCG based at The Oaks.
Eight loads in all, one aircraft per trip: included Avro Cadet VH-AGH, Westland Widgeon
VH-UGI, DH.60M VH-UQV, Comper Swift VH-UVC.
UVC stored dismantled in Jack Davidson's hangar at The Oaks Airfield, near Camden NSW
UVC purchased by Dr. Rob (Roy) Fox, Sydney NSW:
Fox purchased the incomplete airframe plus 7 Pobjoy radial engines as a restoration project.
(Dr. Roy Fox owns Klemm L-25 VH-UUR, Klemm Eagle VH-UTI, DH.89 VH-UTV and
restoration projects Short Scion VH-UTV and Comper VH-UVC.)
VH-UVC was shipped from Sydney to New Zealand for airworthy restoration by
JEM Aviation at Omaka NZ.
Inspection by JEM Aviation found that all woodwork, including the wing spars, would need
replacing but that metal fittings were in good condition. Work was also under way stripping
down the Pobjoy engine collection, and new pistons being manufactured.
JEM Aviation are working towards VH-UVC flying again in 2015
Neil Follett was a kid on the fence at Moorabbin in the late 1950s. He writes:
“My favourite Comper Swift moment happened at Moorabbin one day when VH-UVC was
taxying out in a strong wind and the aircraft would not turn where the pilot wanted it to. I
was amazed to see the pilot (I think it was Keith Torr) undo his harness, climb out of the
aircraft, lift up the tail and point the aircraft in the direction he wanted to go and then hop
back in. Some 15 years later I recalled that incident when trying to turn Tiger VH-TIG onto
the runway at Berwick, so I replicated the Comper pilot’s solution.”
Essendon 1935 with Royal Victorian Aero Club stripes on the rudder. Civil Aviation Historical Society
Essendon 1935, showing folded wings.
Photo by Edwin Brown
Essendon after sold by the aero club, with Mickey Mouse cartoon on fuselage.
Neil Follett collection
Moorabbin 15 June 1957.
Moorabbin 1958.
Photo by Neil Follett
The Collection p1174-0004
Moorabbin 12 May 1959, pilot Barrie Colledge strapped in tightly.
Moorabbin February 1962 after rebuild, all silver.
Photo via Barrie Colledge
The Collection p1174-0019
VH-UVC under rebuild at Omaka NZ in December 2014, showing the excellent craftsmanship.
Photo by Graham Orphan
VH-ACG
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c/n GS.32/2 Gipsy Swift Marco Polo
Built Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire by Comper Aircraft Co Ltd as C.L.A.7 Gipsy Swift.
120hp deHavilland Gipsy III
Registered G-ABWH British Air Navigation Co Ltd, Heston c/- Ian C. MacGilchrist
First flight Hooton Park
CofA issued
Two of the more powerful Gipsy Swifts were ordered from Comper Aircraft during 1932, the
second being G-ABWH for British Air Navigation Co Ltd and flown by their Chief Pilot
A. J. Styran. Both Gipsy Swifts were entered in the 1932 King's Cup Air Race and were
revealed just prior to the event. The two G-ABWH & G-ABWW commenced the race but
both failed to cross the finish line correctly. G-ABWW re-crossed the line and was placed
second at a speed of 155.74 mph, while G-ABWH was eliminated.
A total of Six Comper Swifts took part in the race.
King's Cup Air Race, Brooklands, pilot A. J. Styran. Officially placed 11th with
average speed 147mph
Won the Felixstowe Aero Trophy Race, pilot A. J. Styran, average speed 141 mph
Change of ownership: Captain Walter Lawrence Hope, Teddington, Middlesex.
Hope was a well-known racing pilot. Usual station of aircraft shown as Croydon Aerodrome,
London
Hope had a Fox Moth sliding canopy and raised decking installed
Flown in 1933 King's Cup Air Race by Walter Hope, fitted with the Fox Moth sliding canopy.
Eliminated in the second heat, average speed 158 mph.
Shipped to USA on SS American Merchant for the 1934 Cleveland air races
Registered NC27K Roger Wolfe Kahne, New York NY
Kahne was a big band leader who was an official of the Cleveland Air Races
competed in Roosevelt Field Air Races, New York
competed at National Air Races at Cleveland Municiple Airport but did not win a place
Cancelled from US Civil Register
shipped back to Britain
US CAA notified the British Director of Civil Aviation of the cancellation
photo of NC27K in a hangar at Croydon Aerodrome, London. Fitted with canopy and
wheel spats
Restored as G-ABWH Captain Walter Lawrence Hope, Teddington, Middlesex
Usual station of aircraft shown as Croydon Aerodrome, London
British CofA renewed. Doped in scarlet.
Entered in 1935 King's Cup Air Race, Hatfield but scratched by Walter Hope because of
the handicap applied. Hope flew DH.85 Leopard Moth G-ACHC instead.
10-11.7.36
10-11.9.37
2.7.38
20.8.38
.38
27.12.38
31.12.38
18.7.39
10.2.40
8.45
16.10.47
24.10.47
48
31.10.50
50
26.11.53
12.4.54
30.8.54
9.54
24.11.54
28.3.58
10.12.59
15.10.60
25.7.61
19.1.62
16.3.62
13.11.62
11.1.63
15.1.63
20.1.63
26.2.63
9.3.63
28.9.63
5.10.63
3.64
31.3.64
6.64
25.6.64
26.6.64
28.6.64
10.64
25.10.64
9.66
Flew in 1936 King's Cup Air Race, Hatfield, pilot H. J. Wilson. Placed 11th with average
speed 151 mph
Flew in 1937 King's Cup Air Race, Hatfield, pilot Sqn Ldr David F.W.Atcherley.
Forced landing on the sands at St Bees Head
Flew in 1938 King's Cup Air Race, Hatfield, pilot H. J. Wilson. Placed 16th with average
speed of 149 mph.
CofA lapsed
Sold to Australia, shipped to Sydney
Australian Registration Application: Light Aircraft Pty Ltd c/- Denzil Macarthur-Onslow,
Camden Aerodrome, Camden NSW
Struck-off British Register in annual Census of non airworthy aircraft
Registered VH-ACG Light Aircraft Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW.
Based at Camden Aerodrome
CofA lapsed, not renewed
Stored for duration of the war.
Aircraft still dismantled in storage and will remain so until the release of Brigadier
D. Macarthur-Onslow from the Australian Army
Registration application: Aubrey John Raymond Oates, Sydney NSW
CofA renewed
Logs: based Camden, flown regularly by "Titus" Oates, mainly to Bankstown, Mascot and
nearby country towns, particularly Bathurst.
Change of ownership: Eric A. Morris, Sydney NSW
Based at Bankstown where owner's father Howard Morris operated Morris Air Service. The
Comper was painted allover red with white trim and registration, name Marco Polo and
pilot "H.R.Morris" painted beneath the cockpit. Sliding canopy
Change of ownership: F. M. Morris, Sydney NSW
Change of ownership: Frank Lawler, Batemans Bay NSW
Change of ownership: Don Nichol, Melbourne Vic
noted at Essendon Vic, still with name Marco Polo
Struck-off Register
Restored to Register: Don Nichol, Melbourne Vic
Change of ownership: William Winch, White Rose Cafe, Maitland NSW
Bill Winch was member of the Royal Nwcastle Aero Club. He fitted fibreglass wheel spats.
Paint scheme was red with yellow fuselage flash and vertical registration n the tail.
visited airshow at Tamworth NSW
noted at West Maitland-Rutherford NSW
Change of ownership: Alex R. Mackie, Sydney NSW
visited airshow at Cootamundra NSW
Change of ownership: E. Robert Burnett-Read, Adelaide SA
noted at Camden NSW
noted at Camden in hangar
noted at Camden in hangar
CofA renewed at Camden NSW
first noted at Parafield, just arrived on ferry flight by owner Bob Burnett-Read. Based in the
Royal Aero Club of SA hangar at Parafield. Allover red with black trim.
noted at Parafield, the red and black paint being stripped by the owner for a repaint
vsited airshow at Blyth SA, flown by owner. Freshly repainted all silver with blue
trim, polished metal engine cowlings and yellow registration letters on the wing upper
surface.
Burnett-Read fitted a clamshell canopy which faired the wing neatly with the turtle deck and
made entry into the cockpit easier
Burnett-Read flew ACG from Parafield to Brisbane to take part in the Ansett Air Race
Bribane-Sydney-Melbourne-Adelaide
Arrived Parafield at end of race with the other competitors. Race Number 35.
Logs: Total airframe flyingtime recorded as only 230 hours
Change of ownership: William Conroy, Kalgoorlie WA
Conroy departed Parafield on delivery flight to Kalgoorlie.
Reached Kalgoorlie at 11am
Conroy has fitted an extended steerable tailskid, a new instrument panel and a new
moulded perspex one-piece canopy
visited airshow at Laverton WA
Conroy advertised VH-ACG for sale: “Comper Swift, engine Gipsy Major III, total time
engine and airframe 360 hours since new. Full panel, including CHT, fuel pressure and
oil temp gauges. Cruise 100 knots at 2,000rpm. CofA carried out February 1966. Folding
wings (save hangarage). This aircraft is very suitable for the sporting enthusiast, being
aerobatic with a rate if climb in excess of 1,200 fpm.”
1.11.66
5.3.67
6.3.67
11.3.67
13.3.67
.68
1.8.71
.71
11.10.71
12.10.71
5.11.71
.77
6.78
80
27.2.87
4.87
7.87
10.87
.88
1.90
noted at Kalgoorlie, painted allover white with "Comper Swift" on the fuselage.
Conroy flew ACG from Kalgoorlie to Perth for promotions for the just released movie
Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines.
noted at Perth Airport
Displayed at Floreat Forum Shopping Centre, Perth as a movie promotion
During Conroy's return flight from Perth to Kalgoorlie, engine trouble developed. On arrival
at Kalgoorlie the Gipsy III was removed and found to require major overhaul and repair.
He had difficulty in finding engine parts for the vintage engine and an experienced
engineer to carry out the rebuild.
Conroy moved the Swift from a hangar at Kalgoorlie Airport to his house at 58 Oberarthur
Street, Kalgoorlie where it was stored in a backyard shed. Conroy had flown 40 hours in
the Comper, including the delivery flight from Adelaide.
VH-ACG noted at Kalgoorlie at Bill Conroy's house in a shed in his backyard. Wings folded
and engine removed, all covered with red dust.
Bill Conroy, a gold prospector, said that he intended to import a new engine from England
and get the Comper flying again.
Sold to Douglas C. Muir, Perth WA
Doug Muir said "I heard that it was up for sale some two years later, so I went up to
Kalgoorlie and had a look at it. It was in a derelict state, covered in a half inch of dust.
The motor had all its cylinders removed, and these were lying upside-down, covered in dirt,
next to the crankcase itself. The aircraft's fabric surfaces were also completely useless
following its spell in storage. I paid Conroy $3,260 for the Swift, dismantled the airframe
and split the load between my Falcon ute and the racing car trailer that I had towed from
Perth to Kalgoorlie specially for the task."
Moved by road from Kalgoorlie to Perth by Doug Muir.
complete fuselage noted tied to a Ford Falcon utility at Muir's house at 267 The Esplanade,
Mount Pleasant, Perth. The wings and parts were towed in a covered trailer.
Airframe all white.
Civil Register Change of Ownership date to Muir
Stored dismantled at Muir's house
Slow restoration commenced at Muir's house
Doug Muir:
"When I bought the Swift it had a Fox Moth sliding canopy fitted and heavily modified
turtle decking behind the cockpit - it looked quite ugly. Once I had broken the aircraft down
into component parts, I found some of the modifications fitted in America to make it more
suitable for pylon racing, including safety cables down inside the struts and a second
solitary cable running down the struts through the fuselage itself. These were fitted in an
effort to safeguard against the Swift having its wing over-stressed while racing."
Moved to a wokshop in Myaree for restoration by retired aircraft engineer and woodwork
specialist Don Cope
Letter from Don Cope: he is working on his Proctor and Auster VH-UEA, also Don Muir's
Comper Swift VH-ACG. The Comper should be back in the air in 3 months. Currently his
main priority is restoring Hornet Moth VH-UXO for owners Hockin Trust and Bernie
Baldwin.
Now housed in Doug Muir's private owner hangar at Jandakot Airport, Perth. Restoration
of fuselage is almost complete, but a suitable engine has not yet been located despite
protracted negotiations in England
Airframe restoration almost complete. Displayed on a truck at the Sport Aircraft Association
fly-in on the Perth Esplanade.
Muir modified the undercarriage to make it taller with a wider track to raise the nose-high
attitude to increase the angle of attack for three-point landings. He enlarged the rudder
area to improve handling, also replaced the tailskid with a lockable tailwheel.
Doug Muir: "I have had the aircraft finished in the Prince of Wales' scheme as worn by his
G-ABWW for participation in the 1932 King's Cup Air Race. My Swift also flew in this event
painted in an irradescent silver/grey overall and trimmed with triangular tartan design
(for the Hope family clan) behind the cockpit. When I removed the turtle decking I found
traces of the original scheme still on the fabric. "
Restoration complete and new engine installed at Jandakot. Painted red, white & blue with
incorrect British registration G-ABWW painted on fuselage sides, but VH-ACG painted
under the wing. Stated to be ready for test flying.
noted at Jandakot, no fuselage registration, VH-ACG on tail
Displayed at Jandakot underneath the Fokker trimotor "Southern Cross" flying replica
VH-USU when it visited. Comper is now repainted with VH-ACG on the fuselage sides.
Testflown at Jandakot by Muir, fitted with a DH Gipsy Major engine from a Tiger Moth.
Then stored again waiting for the original engine to be repaired.
Had not flown again by 1997 but maintained in airworthy condition.
noted at Aviation Heritage Museum, Bullcreek, Perth. On long-term loan to the museum
9.01
10.2.06
19.9.08
26.4.09
7.09
12
from Doug Muir, displayed in navy blue and red scheme.
Rebuild of the original Gipsy III engine continued, finally cracks in crankcase were repaired
by a Sydney engine welding firm. Engine rebuilt and zero-timed by 1997. Muir planned to
install the original engine and testfly late 1997.
Advertised for sale, zero hours Gipsy III, airframe total time 390 hours
Change of ownership: Dr. Rob (Roy) Fox, Sydney NSW
Moved by road from Perth to Sydney
Restored by antique aircraft specialists John Gallagher & David Theiss, Sydney
First fight Camden Airport NSW after restoration, test pilot was David Grieg, an
experienced Pitts Special pilot
visited fly-in at Echuca Vic
Airfreighted to Oshkosh WI with Fox's Klemm VH-UUR, both flown at the EAA Airventure
week-long fly-in. VH-ACG was flown by David Greig
VH-ACG was damaged during the return transport to Sydney. It has been under repair at
Bankstown since
Note: an error in A. J. Jackson’s British Civil Aircraft Since 1919 (Volume II) 1973 edition
under the Comper Swift entry: VH-ACG is quoted as crashing on Great Lakes Golf Course,
Sydney on 8 December 1950, pilot E.A.Sarau.
This event never took place: it is a misreporting of the crash of VH-UZB on a golf course
at Lakes Entrance Vic on 17 December 1950.
Magazine picture of G-ABWH in England, fitted with sliding canopy.
A prewar view of VH-ACG at Camden Aerodrome, south of Sydney, with other aircraft owned by the
Macarthur-Onslow family.
Camden Library & Historical Society
Bankstown 1950, all red with white trim, "Morris Air Service Bankstown Airport" on the tail, and pilot
name "H.R.Morris" under the cockpit. Note the sliding canopy.
Howard Morris collection
Flying from Bankstown 1950, named Marco Polo.
Howard Morris collection
Wagga NSW circa 1960, red with yellow lightning strike and registration.
Departing Wagga c1960. The sliding canopy has been removed.
Photo by Ben Dannecker
Photo by Ben Dannecker
Parafield March 1963, all red with black trim.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Repainted allover silver with blue trim, at Blyth SA in October 1963.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Kalgoorlie WA in November 1966, now painted all white. Local charter pilot Jan Beers by the nose.
Geoff Goodall collection
On arrival at new owner Doug Muir's home in Perth, October 1971.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Jandakot WA October 1987, after restoration by Doug Muir. Parked with visiting Fokker trimotor replica
Southern Cross. Note the Comper has no windscreen or canopy.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
VH-ACG arrives from Sydney at a fly-in at Echuca Vic on 30 April 2009.
Photo by Phil Vabre
Echuca Vic 30 April 2009.
*
*
Photo by Phil Vabre
*
*
*
*
*
TWO OTHER COMPER SWIFTS ATTEMPTED FLIGHTS FROM ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA:
G-AAZD
.30
6.30
23.2.31
9.31
1.10.31
2.32
32
1.33
11.33
34
31.7.35
10.8.35
11.8.35
15.8.35
27.7.37
2.7.38
31.7.38
1.1.39
G-ABTC
.31
1.32
8.2.32
c/n S.30/5 Comper Swift
Built Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire by Comper Aircraft Co Ltd as a C.L.A.7 Swift, the
fifth Swift built. Salmson AD9 engine
Registered G-AAZD Comper Aircraft Co Ltd
CofA issued Arthur H. Youngman on behalf H. Gordon Selfridge Jnr, Heston
Operated as demonstrator by Brian Lewis & Co Ltd, Heston
Change of ownership: Lionel E. Bellairs, Shoreham
Change of ownership: Philip deW Avewry
Flown in 1932 Kings Cup Air Race by Flt Lt Nicholas Comper
Change of ownership: Pilot Officer Martin J. Parish, RAF Donibristle
Registered in Egypt as SU-AAJ Mohamed Hasek, Cairo
Entered in the Oasie Rallye, flown by Mohamed Husack. Race No.19 painted on tail.
Non-starter due to a forced landing in the desert
Restored to British Register as G-AAZD Pilot Officer Francis B. Chapman, RAF Gosport
Pilot Officer Francis Chapman was an Australian serving in the RAF. He had a month’s
Leave and planned to fly to Australia to visit his parents at Charleville Qld. He would
attempt to break C.A. Butler’s record time.
British CofA renewed
Chapman departed Lympne at 11pm in G-AAZD bound for Australia
Forced landing at Sasaram, near Bihar, India. Chapman abandoned the flight, and after
reaching Calcutta by train, returned to England on an Empire Air Mail plane.
G-AAZD returned to England by ship
Change of ownership: Algernon I. Sladen, Cambridge
Restored to Register: Michael N. Mavrogordato, Oxford. Aircraft based Whitney
Crashed at Whitney. Engine failure after takeoff, crashed in nearby sewage farm
Struck-off Civil Register. The wreck was reported stored in 1949
c/n S.32/1 Comper Swift Spirit of Butler
Built Hooton Park Aerodrome, Cheshire by Comper Aircraft Co Ltd as a C.L.A.7 Swift.
75hp Pobjoy R.
Registered G-ABTC Ian C. Maxwell, Heston
CofA issued. Delivered to owner 13.2.32
Numerous British owners 1932-1974
11.2.74
3.80
28.12.81
3.82
18.7.84
22.2.99
04
Change of ownership: Peter Channon, Kenley, later Camborne, Cornwall. Based St Just
Peter Channon announced that he planned to fly G-ABTC to Australia to commemorate the
th
50 anniversary of Arthur Butler’s record flight to Australia in G-ABRE in 9 days.
Channon departed England in G-ABTC bound for Australia. The aircraft was painted blue,
named Spirit of Butler, with sponsor name PENTAX painted in red
Encountered bad weather across Europe, snow in Syria
Forced landing at Bahrein. Flight to Australia abandoned
G-ABTC returned to England from Bahrein by Boeing 707 freighter
Permit to Fly expired. The Swift was stored at Lelant, Cornwall
Struck-off Register
The Swift is stored at Porthtowan, Cornwall near Peter Channon’s home. He plans to
restore it to airworthy condition in the future.
References:
- Australian Civil Aircraft Register: Department of Civil Aviation and its successors
- DCA aircraft files, National Archives of Australia, Melbourne
- National Library of Australia - Trove newspaper archive website
- British Civil Aircraft Register: G-INFO website
- British Civil Aircraft Since 1919, A. J. Jackson, Putnam 1973
- Last of the Breed, Brian Creer 1964
- South Australian Air Journal, monthly journal 1963-65
- Australian Air Log, monthly journal 1965-68
- Aviation Historical Society of Australia Journal, monthly, various issues 1960-1970
- The Comper Lightplanes, Jack Meaden, Air Britain Archive, quarterly journal, 5 parts 2003-2004
- Comper Swift, The Aeroplane magazine, March 2003
- Antipodean Swift, Tony Holmes, Aeroplane Monthly magazine, November 1997
- Classic Wings Downunder quarterly magazine, renamed Classic Wings: various reports
- Arthur Butler personal collection, Power House Museum, Sydney: transcribed by Nigel Daw 6.09
- Flight – Memoirs 1912-1958, C.A.Butler, published by Anna Yeats nee Butler 2008
- Let There Be Flight, A history of flying in Western Victoria, Kenneth R. Riches, self-published 2009
- Butler’s Arrival, Flying magazine, Australia 1.12.31
- The Comper Swift in Australia, Neil Follett, Flightpath magazine, Vol 15 No 3 April 2004
- JEM Aviation website