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Alex Henshaw MBE 1913-200727th February 2007 It is with sad regret that we report that legendary aviator Alex Henshaw MBE died on the 24th February 2007 aged 94. His achievements in aviation terms are well recorded but include winning the Kings Cup Air Race in 1938 and in the following year flying solo London to Capetown and back in a record time (which still stands today). So involved was he in aviation that there is simply not enough space here to record all his achievements and adventures - he wrote three books covering his exploits all of which show what a remarkable man he was. Alex had a strong association with Sywell. Pre-war he attended many aerial pageants and air races at the aerodrome and with the onset of war, his work at Vickers Supermarine as Chief Test Pilot at Castle Bromwich also brought him to Sywell. Brooklands Aviation was of course under contract to Vickers Armstrongs to repair and overhaul Wellington bombers for RAF service. It was very common for Alex to collect a Spitfire from Castle Bromwich, air test it en route to Sywell, air test several Wellingtons there and fly back to Bromwich in his Spitfire before dusk.
His association with Sywell was rekindled in 2001 when Alex agreed to become Honorary President of Sywell Aviation Museum and opened the building in July that year. Since then he remained a steadfast supporter of both the Aerodrome and the Museum and was always keen to learn of new developments. A legendary aviator and true gentleman who will be missed by all in the aviation community. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Henshaw family. | ||||
In all it is estimated that Alex test-flew more than 10% of all Spitfires ever made (plus testing many other types from Walruses to Wellingtons). Indeed in 2006 he took the controls again in a two seat Spitfire TrIX at Duxford at the age of 93.