This book has taken years of research to create and I am indebted to many people. I was fortunate enough to know and be tutored by the great (late) E. Brian Trubshaw – ‘EBT’ – and it is to him and his memory that I offer thanks and respect. He kindly wrote some further words for me to include herein. At Brooklands, the Vickers veterans, museum staff and members, have been of great help and kindness and I offer thanks to them. I was lucky enough in earlier days, to talk to Sir George Edwards to whom I, like so many, am indebted.
I would particularly like to thank Jelle Hieminga, the Dutch KLM-trained pilot, engineering graduate and VC10 enthusiast of VC10 website fame, ‘A Little VC10derness’ (www.VC10.net), for his kind sharing of information and perspectives about the VC10. Jelle, a regular supporter at Brooklands Museum, is a true chronicler of the VC10 story in a reliable and detailed perspective and has kindly agreed to some of his content being referenced herein.
Others who have helped with my research and views include: Dr N.A. Barfield, N.W. Boorer, Group Captain John Cunningham, Christopher Orlebar, Ronald Ballantine, Blair Shenstone, Peter J. Davis and Wing Commander Kevin Brookes, as Officer Commanding 101 Squadron. Also, friends at West London Aero Club, the British Airways Archive, Qantas PR, Boeing PR, the RAeS, The Brooklands Museum Trust and Allan Winn and Julian Temple.
A donation from the proceeds of the sales of this book will be made to Brooklands Museum Trust.