Comper Swift, Squadron Leader J R Robb, Heston aerodrome, Croydon, West London

The Comper Swift a single-seat sporting aircraft pictured at Heston in West London for the start of the 1931 King??s Cup Air Race on 26th July 1931. Flown by Squadron Leader J R Robb, (later Air Marshal) it achieved sixth place at 118.3mph. The first King??s Cup air race, presented by King George V to the Royal Aero Club to encourage sporting flying in Great Britain, was on 8 September 1922 from Croydon via Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow (over-night stop), Manchester, Bristol and return to Croydon, a distance of 810 miles. The race continues annually to this day, but is flown over a course of 100 miles.Entrants at Heston aerodrome One of the smallest planes in the race, the Comper Swift to be piloted by Sqdn leader J.M.Robb. July 1931 P004662