Aviation Research Group Orkney Shetland

It would appear that the first aviators in Shetland arrived in Seaplanes towards the end of World War 1.

THE FIRST SEAPLANES AT CATFIRTH

The first aircraft to arrive in Shetland were Seaplanes which were stationed in 1918 at the Royal Flying Corps base at Catfirth in the parish of Nesting, these were used in the main on patrols for use in spotting enemy ships or submarines, among these aircraft types were two Porte Baby flying boats.

The one in the picture above had its wings broken in a gale in 1918 whilst sitting on the slip. Parts were delivered to the base for its repair, however this work was never undertaken as the war was drawing to a close. Photo:Shetland Museum.

Naval and Royal Flying Corps personnel at air station at Catfirth; group photo seated on upturned boat. Most Navy men are wearing duffel coats and sea boots. 1918. Photo R.Ramsey. via Shetland Museum.

Above: North Roe: McKinley Cottage,Tag, The Hall,Seaview,Fedaland Cottage & Bayview. The Hall is a first World War hut from Catfirth Air Station in 1922. Photo: L.G.Scott via Shetland Museum.

This old seaplane base has yet to be visited by ARGOS members but it is thought that unlike most land based airfields very little will remain.

US FLYERS VISIT THE SHETLANDS

Above left: United States aviator Parker Cramer re-fuelling at Sletts, Lerwick, 9th August 1931. He was on a Trans Atlantic proving flight. Photo: A.Isbister via Shetland Museum. Above right: Parker Cramer.

Above: US Aviator Parker Cramer leaves Lerwick for Greenland on 9th August 1931, sadly he and his companion are killed when their aircraft crashes in the sea on route. Photo: A.Isbister via Shetland Museum.

NEW TYPE SEAPLANES IN LERWICK HARBOUR 1931

Above: A Royal Air Force Short Singapore seaplane serial S-1231 in Bressay Sound in 1931, with its crew in the dinghy. Photo: Shetland Museum.

FIRST AEROPLANE TO LAND ON SHETLAND 1933.

Above: The caption with this old postcard reads: "The first aeroplane to land on Shetland April 19th 1933". De Havilland Fox Moth G-ACEB of SMT, Crowd watching refuelling by can. Jim Black next to W Laidlaw McDougall Photo R.Williamson Via Shetland Museum.

Above: Another shot of the first aeroplane on Shetland Fox Moth G-ACEB. Photo: R.Williamson Via Shetland Museum.

THE LINDBERGH`S VISIT SHETLAND 1933.

Above: Famous transatlantic aviator Col. Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne visit Lerwick on another epic flight while returning from Japan in 1933.

Lindbergh's seaplane, a Lockheed Sirius, in the harbour. Charles Lindbergh tying a rope . Aug 1933 Photograph shows the planes name TINGMISSARTOQ . Photo: C.Stout via Shetland Museum.

US Pilot Charles Lindbergh and wife being brought to the Bressay slip in Harbour Trust launch, August 1933 on arrival. (back) J Masterton - Chief Coastguard, (front) Bob Greig, Bertie Ganson, Charles Lindbergh, George Burgess, Magnie Shearer, Annie Lindbergh, Robbie Ollason, Floorie Willie Sinclair, John Sinclair, Geordie Russell. Photo: C.Stout Via Shetland Museum.

Above: Col. Charles Lindbergh at the `Spirit of St.Louis` aircraft he made the famous transatlantic flight to Paris with from NY in 1927. These signed photos were sent out to fans the world over after his epic flight and this one is owned by ARGOS member Dave Earl. The signature is printed but photo is real asappears to be his handwriting on the envelope these are now vary rare collectors items. The inscription reads: `I am proud to have done it for America - my reward will be your continued use of the "air mail" - Charles A.Lindbergh. Photo: Dave Earl

The Lindbergh envelope post 3.30pm July 1st 1927 appears to be Lindbergh`s handwriting to a lady in Providence Rhode Island. Photo: Dave Earl

RAF SEAPLANES IN LERWICK HARBOUR 1939.

Above: RAF Saro London Seaplane at Lerwick coded `VQ-R` So far these codes have not been traced to a particular squadron. Photo: Shetland Museum.

All these photos are available to purchase online at the Shetland Museum website:

http://photos.shetland-museum.org.uk/

All rights reserved. Due to the imense amount of research that enabled us to build this site we would like to point out that all material on this website is owned by A.R.G.O.S though photos are credited to their repective owners. Anyone wishing to use material for their own website or any other purpose are requested to contact us first expressing their wishes. Permission will usually be granted to none profit making ventures, i.e. websites for educational and/or historical purposes, though a link to this website and aknowledgement to the original owners of any photographs will usually be requested.