OT Help with WWII Air Corps Photos in England

[Canoerebel]

I am editing a story about Hazel Raines, a woman who served in the ATA during World War II, ferrying American aircraft to England. As a woman pilot in the service, she was among the first of a new "breed."

We have a selection of photos from the family of various scenes taken in England (and perhaps Canada too) during the War. The information about the photos is sketchy at best, so I wondered if you gents might be able to offer additiional input that would allow us to write more complete, and therefore more interesting, captions.

I'm going to post a series of photos. I'm interested in any input, from anything you know abuot the place the photo was taken to what and who is in the photo.

This first photo is a group of ATA pilots, a male officer, and what seems to be Eleanor Roosevelt (tall woman under umbrella). Hazel Raines is second from left. What kind of aircraft is that?

Edited to Add: I have confirmed that is Eleanor Roosevelt.

[Canoerebel]

Hazel Raines on the wing of what kind of aircraft? Based upon information on the back of a similar photo, I believe this was taken February 1942 at Dowal (Donal?) Aerodome, Montreal, Quebec.

[Canoerebel]

I believe Hazel Raines is at right. Place unknown. Clues: signs say "Avon", something that seems like "Henley", and an advertisement for "Staybrite - Stainless Steel Ideal for Industry & The Home." Any ideas where this was taken?

[Canoerebel]

More to follow later (but first gotta go get a haircut, just in case you gents are interested in my minute-by-minute whereabouts).

[tocaff]

Why is it called a haircut?  Did you only have the barber cut 1 hair.  [&:]

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Hazel Raines on the wing of what kind of aircraft? Based upon information on the back of a similar photo, I believe this was taken February 1942 at Dowal (Donal?) Aerodome, Montreal, Quebec.

It looks like a Harvard, the comonwealth version of a AT-6.

[obvert]

Can't see anything more back there in those signs. I opened them up in Photoshop, increased contrast and sharpened, but the file size is too small to read anything. I'm sure someone here will know where they're from or some other information though.

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I believe Hazel Raines is at right. Place unknown. Clues: signs say "Avon", something that seems like "Henley", and an advertisement for "Staybrite - Stainless Steel Ideal for Industry & The Home." Any ideas where this was taken?

Henley upon Avon?

[AW1Steve]

ORIGINAL: tocaff

Why is it called a haircut?  Did you only have the barber cut 1 hair.  [&:]

His barber is REALLY oldschool and cuts one at a time! [:D]

[bradfordkay]

I got this through google:

"“Staybrite” was the trade name given to 18/8 stainless steel (i.e. 18% chromium, 8% nickel) in 1924 by steelmakers Thomas Firth of Sheffield when they began to publicise this remarkable material that had been discovered, by chance, by their metallurgist Harry Brearley in 1913 and further developed by his successor Dr W H Hatfield. "

doesn't seem to help...


There is no town "Henley upon Avon" (Henley is on the Thames, a good distance away from the Avon), but there is a Henley Street in Stratford upon Avon. There is apparently a very popular establishment "Henley Street Tearooms" located there, but the photo I see on their website is not a rural location such as is seen in this photo.

EDIT:

I found that there is a town Henley in Arden that is in the Avon District. Again, photos do not show such a forested ara there, but that isn't to say it couldn't be...

[AW1Steve]

there was a RAF Henley-on-Thames during WW2. It was an auxilary field of White Waltham Airfield (current name) where the ATA called home. There is a Avon street near the airport.

[obvert]

I think the sign says Avon Tyres on the left.

http://www.avontyres.com/

RAF Henley on Thames

http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=7817

[Vetamur]

I agree the plane is mostly likely a Harvard..

The photo is tricky. Staybrite is a famous brand and signs would have been found anywhere. Little association of Henley and Avon on google or bing.. I am finding pictures of a canal associated with the words Henley and England.. but is that a canal or a road in the pic?

[bradfordkay]

I know that there is a good deal of forest as you approach Henley on Thames (I cycled through there back in '91), so it sounds like Steve has hit upon the location. 

[Vetamur]

Maybe this.. http://www.theaa.com/walks/henley-and-t ... nal-421166

There is a recommended path to be walked..in Henley in Arden. It includes a path along the Stratford upon Avon canal. Im checking further.

[AW1Steve]

I saw the Garage ad (its on Avon street) , and a satellite photo of the area shows it being right next to the airport.

[Vetamur]

I lose! Steves got it! haha

[Canoerebel]

Well, as suspected, the forumites provide lots of good information and leads. Thanks, guys. Caption-writing is one of the little chores in publishing that is seldom noticed, but quite tedious. Getting good information like you guys are providing helps alot.

Her's another good photo. If it's large enough, you can see what appears to be a maple leaf emblem on the fuselage near the front of the canopy. Hazel Raines on right. I feel like a dummy not knowing for certain, but is this a Hurricane? Any guesses about location?

[obvert]

Spitfire

Great old photos! Reminds me of my aunt who flew (and jumped out of) planes. Once did a solo race across the US in the 60's.

[Canoerebel]

"Clarendon" is written on the back of this photo. Based upon info on another photo, I think this may be Lady Astor's Manor. Any particular information about where Clarendon is located and whether it was proximitate to any WWII airfields that these ladies might have been posted to (or visiting)?