Hawker Hart

The Hawker Hart was originally a two-seater light bomber aircraft. The Hart at the RAF Museum, London, represents a bomber of No. 57 Squadron. Harts were issued to No. 601 Squadron in early 1933, representing a huge technological advance from the Westland Wapitis that they were replacing. They were flown several times at Hendon as part of air displays.

The Honorary Officer Commanding at the time, Squadron Leader Sir Philip Sassoon, was actually unable to fly himself. However, he was determined to have a Christmas Card of himself leading the unit in their new aircraft, so had another pilot fly him from the rear seat of the cockpit, who then ducked out of sight as the photograph was taken!