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Mike Ingham
aviation historian and aviation heritage guide |
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Mike Ingham
aviation historian and aviation heritage guide |
Since the 1970s aviation historian Mike Ingham -
a member of the Lincolnshire Aviation Society and of Air-Britain (the international association of aviation
historians) - has built up a detailed and extensive knowledge of Lincolnshire's aviation history, and in
particular of the Polish Air Force and the many air force memorials across the county.
Two books make a major contribution to the history of aviation in Lincolnshire. The Polish Air Force in Lincolnshire
records the squadrons which were based in the county 1940-1947 and describes the organisation
of the Polish Air Force. The Air Force Memorials of Lincolnshire, which
has now appeared in four successful editions, is a practical
guide as well as a source of reference.
Mike provided material for the official history of Polish Air Force in the UK, and he holds the Badge of Honour of
the Polish Air Force Association and the Cross of Merit in Gold awarded by the Republic of Poland.
Mike is a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and a founder member of the Lincolnshire Integrated Aviation Heritage Partnership.
Over recent years that interest has extended to the adjoining county of Norfolk,
and in particular to
the 2nd Air Division of the United States 8th Air Force which operated B-24 Liberators from
the many airfields around the historic City of Norwich. Mike is a member of the East Anglian
Aviation Society.
Over 35 years aviation historian Mike Ingham -
a member of the Cornish Aviation Society and the West Cornwall
Branch of Air-Britain - has built
up a detailed and extensive knowledge of Scilly's aviation history since
its earliest days, and is now the established authority on the subject.
Mike has written two major books about aviation in Scilly. To the Sunset Bound provides the
definitive account of the development of civil
air services, as well as recording Scilly's important role in
naval/military aviation of two world wars. Atlantic Helicopter marked the silver jubilee of
the helicopter service from Penzance.
Initiator of the highly
successful Air Day marking the 50th anniversary of the first air service to Scilly, Mike has produced a wide range of other articles and
features about aviation in Scilly, including
a special supplement in The Cornishman in 1994, features in the British Airways
Helicopters and British International house magazines, as well as leading aviation
journals.
His current project Tresco Eagles is a comprehensive history of the
flying-boat base in Scilly 1917-1919, and Mike would
welcome any material (particularly photographs) on this particular
period or aviation in Scilly generally.
Mike has written a wide range of publications, including the following
books -
Mike is a partner with Beckside Design,
which has published a number of aviation titles about Lincolnshire and the Isles of Scilly.
As well as (in spite of ?) the aviation interest Mike was in the
merchant navy for some years.
Maritime operations continue, but are now largely confined to small boats.
With both a naval and aeronautical background it seemed appropriate to adopt
a clear and easily identifiable logo, which linked both. The letter F (Foxtrot) signal
flag does this.
When flown at a Royal Naval Air Station or by a Royal Navy vessel
it indicates am operating aircraft -
quite appropriate, given the circumstances!
Lincolnshire
He is an established aviation heritage guide and lecturer, and is able to provide personalised
bomber county tours for groups large and small. Articles and features have appeared in a range
of specialist aviation journals and local
publications including Lincolnshire Life,
together with broadcasts on Radio Lincolnshire
and specialist advice to BBC television. He also contributed
to the North Kesteven District Council Airfield Trail, wrote the text for the
West Lindsey District Council Aviation Heritage leaflets describing the aviation memorials
of the area, and has supported Lincolnshire Tourism aviation heritage developments and publications.
Norfolk
Isles of Scilly
Books
The Air Force Memorials of Lincolnshire
The Polish Air Force in Lincolnshire
To the Sunset Bound
Atlantic Helicopter
Tresco Eagles
Beckside Design
Merchant Navy
He first served as a Purser on
the cargo ships and passenger liners of
Elder Dempster Lines
based in Liverpool and later as a Purser with CP Ships, part of the Canadian Pacific group.
Why Flag Foxtrot?
Links
Mike is a member of -
Cornish Aviation Society
Lincolnshire Aviation Society
West Cornwall Branch Air-Britain
Air-Britain
Guild of Battlefield Guides
Cross and Cockade International
Merchant Navy Association
all text © Mike Ingham
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this page last updated 15 May 2008
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