Recorded account of the first commercial charter flight from London to Paris, made by Captain Henry Shaw, January 1977

Recording in which Captain Henry “Jerry” Shaw tells the story of the first commercial charter flight from London to Paris, for which he was the pilot.

Capt Shaw describes the preparation, in 1919, for the flight at Hendon, and how a DH9C (K109) was chosen for the flight to Paris. The single passenger was dressed and prepared for the flight, and as there appeared to be nobody at Hounslow Capt Shaw decided to press on to Paris. He describes the 2 ¾ hour trip, including problems experienced, and their arrival at le Bourget.