Gustav Hamel signing receipt for mail, Hendon

The aviator Gustav Hamel in the cockpit of his aeroplane, signing the official receipt for the mail, just before setting out from Hendon Aerodrome to Windsor on the very first airmail flight. The first aerial mail service took place on 9 September 1911 from Hendon to Windsor and back again, and Hamel was the first pilot to arrive. King George V gave permission for the aeroplanes to land in the grounds of Windsor Castle. During September 1911 the Grahame-White company operated an experimental air mail service for two weeks between Hendon and Windsor. As well commemorating the coronation of King George V, and raising money for charity, the event publicised the possibilities of the aeroplane as a means of transport

Aerodrome Airmail Cockpit Deliver Experimental Grahame Hamel Hendon Permission Postal Posting Receipt

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