Another view of G-EBIA over Hendon in 1927.

One of Maj Jack Savage's fleet of British-registered sky-writing S.E.5a’s, the Wolseley-built G-EBIA, demonstrates its “penmanship” for Flight’s camera at Hendon in March 1927. This aircraft is now the world's only surviving airworthy example of this famous fighter, and makes display appearances bearing its original serial, F904, and the markings of 56 Squadron, one of the most famous First World War units to operate the type.

S.E.5A G-EBIA, with smoke on, at Hendon in March 1927. This SE.5A flew with Savage Skywriting 1923-1928.

G-EBIA demonstrates at altitude for Flight’s photographer.

G-EBIB at Hooton in August 1934 with Sidney St Barbe in the cockpit. This aircraft survives to this day in the Science Museum, London.

G-EBIF was used for skywriting in Germany, and was re-registered in that country as D-1633 in 1929.

A line-up of five skywriting S.E.5As at Hendon.

A different selection of five S.E.5As at Hendon soon after the company was formed.

Major Savage’s first S.E.5A, G-EATE, bought from Handley Page Ltd in November 1921. Note the cutaway area on the starboard elevator, above the smoke pipe.

S.E.5A G-EBDT was operated on the Continent, mainly in Germany.

G-EBDU, The Sweep, at Gothenberg during demonstration by M. L. Bramson.