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RAF Henlow. Parachuting in the 1930s.
Volunteers of the Parachute Test Unit, formed at Henlow in 1925, prepare to jump from Vickers Virginia aircraft during a display on Empire Air Day, held annually in May during the late 1930s.
The parachutist stood on a platform, clinging to a wing strut during take-offs. He would then stream his parachute and allow himself to be pulled off the wing by the partly deployed ’chute. Many of the parachutists would tie a handkerchief to the rip-cord handle and hold the other end between their teeth; this eliminated any possibility of fumbling when the moment came to stream, and enabled the handle to be retained: a replacement handle cost the volunteer parachutist 1s. 9d. (8p).
On 23rd May 1936, 8,414 visitors attended Empire Air Day at Henlow.
Painting commissioned by RAF Henlow.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: RAF Henlow
Price(s): £70
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