The author's Mew Gull 40 years on. Very little of the original structure remains, and G-AEXF is basically a new aeroplane. AIR PORTRAITS took the photograph near Old Warden in June 1978.

G-AEXF in its original configuration

The author with the coveted King’s Cup and G-AEXF winning the race at Hatfield on July 2, 1938.

The author lands at Hatfield after winning the race at an average speed of 236-25 m.p.h. His Mew Gull was powered by the 230 h.p. D.H. Gipsy Six R engine.

Last minute adjustments being made to the author's Mew Gull at Hatfield on the day of the big race.

The other Mew Gulls competing in 1938 King's Cup was G-AFAA, flown by Capt Edgar Percival. Aircraft was powered by the D.H. Gipsy Six II engine.

Capt. Percival’s Mew Gull - which finished sixth - from an unusual viewpoint.
Edgar Percival landing at Hatfield, having averaged 234 m.p.h. for the 1,012-mile course.

The author having a stretch: the cockpit was anything but roomy.

G-AEXF after its first stage of modification for the King's Cup race. It was further modified for the author's Cape record flight of February 1939.

The other Mew Gulls competing in 1938 King's Cup was G-AEKL, Giles Guthrie's mount. Aircraft was powered by the D.H. Gipsy Six II engine.

Edgar Percival, brilliant designer of the Mew Gull, in familiar pose in his own Gull, G-AFAA, before the race. Timekeeper George Reynolds looks on.