Blackburn Iris S1263 of No 209 (Flying Boat) Sqn, patrolling the Devon coast near Mount Batten in mid-1931.
This photograph of Blackburn Iris III S1264 (the first production machine) clearly shows the exposed and uncomfortable crew positions. The small opening behind the main cockpit is the navigator's place - the navigator appears to have moved forward to join the two pilots, perhaps for warmth.

N238 was the prototype Iris III. This photograph shows the flying boat ready for launching at Brough in October 1926.

Part of the wreckage of the Blackburn Iris N238 after retrieval from Plymouth Sound. Shaw dived into this break in the hull to rescue a survivor.

How the "Great British Public" read about the accident at their breakfast tables the following day. The Iris crashed whilst landing on flat calm sea in Plymouth Sound after returning from an air firing exercise. Nine out of the crew of 12 perished, including the pilot, Wg Cdr Charles Tucker.

Supermarine Southampton S1249 on the slipway. Note the dollies under the hull and tail section.

Southampton S1647 in tight formation over Plymouth Sound. The author can be seen in the bow cockpit.

The Marine Section at Mount Batten in 1931. In front is a motor dinghy. The large craft is a semi-Diesel pinnace. Behind that is a Brooks "Stand-by," to attend at taking-off and landing. Furthest away is a twin-screw refueller.