With saro's patented "corrugated" hull construction clearly seen in this evocative portrait, the London was among the most successful of the flving-boats produced by the Cowes-based company between the wars. Although only 31 were built, the London's career extended to use with six front-line units, the type providing good service into World War Two.This aircraft, K5262, was the penultimate in the first production batch of seven Mk Is delivered between April and October 1936. It went to No 201 Sqn in September 1936, with which it was photographed by The Aeroplane, probably at Calshot. Converted to Mk II standard, the aircraft survived a collision with a Short Sunderland (when with 204 Sqn), before going to 202 Sqn. Based in Gibraltar, the latter was the final front-line London unit, operating the type until June 1941. The machine was struck off charge in October 1941.
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