RAF fighter meets KLM DC-2

[DavidIsby]

When the KLM DC-2 Uiver flew in to RAF Mildenhall for the start of the October 1934 England-Australia air race, it was met by an RAF fighter.

I read an account of this flight years ago (I believe written by the fighter pilot) but do not know recall where it appeared.

Does anyone know of a source for description of the in-flight meeting of the KLM DC-2 and an RAF fighter?

Thanks
David Isby

[Leendert]

David,

In the online archive of Flight magazine, the October 25, 1934 issue has a story that resembles the event you describe.

It appears that when the passengers of the DC-2 "Uiver" arrived at Mildenhall in a KLM Fokker F.VIII the day before the race started, it may have been at the same moment when two RAF Hawker Harts, one of No. 24 (Communications) Squadron from Hendon and one of No. 601 Squadron, were over the newly opened airfield.

The article adds: 'K.L.M. were making the most of a very wonderful opportunity". A sudden little formation flying here?

Regards,

Leendert