The aeroplane illustrated was the only Leonides-engined Beaver in the world. It had been on manoeuvres for two years with the army, with which it was popular during this period of loan.
A capable performer, it was subsequently lent to Mr. Parkes on an indefinite basis as a mobile test bed. It was finally disposed of on the orders of Lord Stokes and found a home in Canada, where it was converted into a useful amphibian. It is pictured here on the occasion of the opening of the Champion Sparking Plug factory in Lancashire, De Havilland having their own factory in the neighbouring county of Cheshire. On the left of the group is Bill Martin-Hurst, Managing Director of Rover Limited, whilst A. B. Smith, Champion’s Production Director, appears in the photograph second from the right.
Alvis Archive 