By 1957 we were usually flying out either by R.A.F. Transport Command or B.O.A.C., both being much quicker than the three or four week voyage by troopship. Bruce's flight in a B.O.A.C. Constellation, being a faster plane than the Argonauts that were usually on the London to Hong Kong route had, I believe, just one overnight stop at the rather grand Great Eastern Hotel in Calcutta. Flying was still a big adventure and many of us kept the flight tickets, etc. for inclusion in our photograph albums.
Date picture taken
1 Jun 1957
Gallery
Comments
1956 BOAC Constellation
With props running.
Hi Moddsey,
Hi Moddsey,
I never flew by Constellation but now, when we fly in very quiet jets, we forget just how noisy the engines and propellers were on all those old planes. In 1957, sitting beside a pal in seats level with the engines of the B.O.A.C. Argonaut, we had to shout to make ourselves heard. Our hearing was affected for several days after the three day flight out to Hong Kong. And, when the engines were started it was initially quite alarming to see smoke and flames belching from the rows of exhausts - but flying was certainly exciting! Andrew