"CITY of ATHENS" - SHORT CALCUTTA FLYING BOAT
The picture above is of Imperial Airways' flying boat "City of Athens" being towed by a launch loaned by White Star Line on the River Mersey, September 1928. It was operated from 'The Liverpool Marine Aerodrome' off Rock Ferry by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board - this experimental flight to Belfast was the only known service.
The Short S8 Calcutta flying boat G-EBVH had a crew of 2 and could carry upto 15 passengers.
The inaugural flight on Saturday 22 September 1928 carried 12 distinguished guests who were treated to a civic luncheon on arrival at Belfast.
The first week went successfully so it was decided to continue into a second week. However the aircraft was damaged and returned to Southampton for repairs; it never returned, instead it was used on the Channel Islands service - so came the end for the experimental service
The inaugural flight on Saturday 22 September 1928 carried 12 distinguished guests who were treated to a civic luncheon on arrival at Belfast.
The first week went successfully so it was decided to continue into a second week. However the aircraft was damaged and returned to Southampton for repairs; it never returned, instead it was used on the Channel Islands service - so came the end for the experimental service
January 10 1930 - Liverpool Marine Airport Approved
THE Air Ministry has approved, with the concurrence of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, of the following area at Liverpool as a Customs " aerodrome " for marine aircraft carrying only passengers and light baggage. That portion of the River Mersey bounded on the north by Rock Ferry Pier (Lat. 53 22'30" N., Long. 2 59' 45"W.) on the west bank and by a line running true east from the pier and on the south by a line running true west from a position in Garston Docks (Lat. 53 21' N., Long. 2 54' 30" W.) on the eastern bank.
THE Air Ministry has approved, with the concurrence of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, of the following area at Liverpool as a Customs " aerodrome " for marine aircraft carrying only passengers and light baggage. That portion of the River Mersey bounded on the north by Rock Ferry Pier (Lat. 53 22'30" N., Long. 2 59' 45"W.) on the west bank and by a line running true east from the pier and on the south by a line running true west from a position in Garston Docks (Lat. 53 21' N., Long. 2 54' 30" W.) on the eastern bank.
Air Ministry Notice published February 14 1930
A map and full particulars of the Liverpool Customs Seaplane Port appear in the Air Pilot (Volume I) Monthly Supplement No. 5, separate copies of which are obtainable direct from H.M. Stationery Office or through any bookseller at the price of 6^. Net
Grumman Widgeon buzzing the Royal Iris on the River Mersey