The rescue Argonaut, G-ALHS, at Atar airport. In the background is a French Air Force Junkers Ju 52, which was used to parachute soldiers and supplies to the crash site. The hangar and sentry box are still there today.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Canadair CL-2 / CL-4 Argonaut - КанадаCanada - 1946Junkers Ju.52/3m - ГерманияGermany - 1931

A poor-quality but very rare picture of Handley Page Hermes 4 G-ALDN Horus in service with BOAC. It was delivered to the airline in July 1950.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

A long way from anywhere. The view from the rescue Argonaut of the crash scene, 160 miles south-east of Port Etienne (now Nouadhibou). The survivors and the nomads’ tent are visible behind the downed Hermes, and the severed port wing may be seen at the extreme left of the picture.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

The fuselage of Horus came to rest at 90° to the direction of the approach, after the port wing had been ripped off at the root by impact with a dune.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

The wreck of Handley Page Hermes airliner G-ALDN in the Western Sahara shortly after its crash 50 years ago. How much of it is still there?

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

The author with G-ALDN’s port inner Bristol Hercules engine. When this picture is lined up with the original shot of the wreckage, it is clear that the sand dune in the background in this view is exactly where the Hermes fuselage should be.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Some of the items brought back from the crash site by the Assistant Editor, with a piston from the Hercules engine at top right. These parts will go on show near the preserved fuselage of Hermes G-ALDG at Duxford.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

The badly mangled port wing and engines, with the twisted fuselage in the background. These engines, minus the cowlings and props, still sit on the desert surface where they came to rest 50 years ago.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

The crew, passengers and French soldiers at the wreck before setting off on their epic trek to the oasis. Ted Haslam, with his head bandaged, is second from the left.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

One of two of the Hermes’ propeller hubs found at the site.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Rob Watt with the port inner engine, amid a scatter of sleeve-valves and other components.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

A group of the survivors about to board the Miles Aerovan at Aioun Lebgar. Monica Osborn is at left, with Mrs Gurney and baby Richard second from right. Mrs Gurney was tragically killed a year later in a road accident in Hammersmith.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Aerovan / M.57 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945