Shield, Britannia Trophy, 1939

The Britannia Trophy is awarded each year for the most meritorious performance in aviation. Although the trophy is retained by the Royal Aero Club, each winner is given a plaque.

Alex Henshaw was awarded the Britannia Trophy for 1939 because of his record-breaking flight from Britian to South Africa and back. He had gained fame as a racing pilot, winning the King’s Cup Air Race in 1938. When he flew to South Africa and back, however, he was racing the clock, not other competitors. The records he set weren’t broken until the 21st century.