Robinson Redwing

Tim Perry, e-mail, 07.12.2021 21:00 My grandfather Herbert Burgess worked for Robinsons from the early 1930's until not long after the Luftwaffe raids on Croydon airfield, when the family were evacuated to Totnes. I think he was in the drawing office, but mum, now 91, doesn't know much more than that. Researching the aircraft with a view to making a model... reply

Nick Dalton, e-mail, 23.02.2020 04:01 Hi there Found out quite a lot about Redwings including the current location of the remaining one ABNX if anyone is interested.... Nick reply

Richard Ebdon, e-mail, 12.04.2017 23:16 Hello There, One of my Ancestor's relatives, Edward "Teddy" Pennington owned a Robinson Redwing MK II G-AMBF. Edward was born in Stockport, in 1908. He lived in Wolverhampton. This was the same Redwing plane that Will Hay owned from around 1931.The plane was sold to Edward on the 8th of August 1939. He would sometimes go and visit relatives in Lincoln in this plane. Edward became a Flying Officer in WWII. He was shot down in 1940, a few miles from the Dutch coast. reply

Steve Arnold, e-mail, 28.01.2016 23:44 Circa 1963 /64 my father worked with John Pothecary on Silver City Airlines. My father arranged for me to have a short flight in John's Redwing. It was an unforgettable few minutes as we took off against a strong wind from Christchurch Airfield. We eventually climbed to about 1000ft, did a quick turn and landed back to where we had just taken off. John kept his aeroplane in the hanger there with its wings folded back. A very happy memory for me. reply

Nick Dalton, e-mail, 19.12.2015 04:07 Hi. I have a propellor boss from Will Hay's Redwing which has passed down my family since my grandfather worked at Gatwick in the 1930s. I would like to restore it but it seems a shame to lose the original transfer logo. Be interested to hear whether the remaining plane is still around....? Cheers Nick reply

BARRY, 03.12.2015 14:08 The first two models were flown with a 75 h.p. A.B.C. Hornet engine the subsequent eight models used the more suitable 80 h.p. Armstrong Siddeley Genet IIA. The last surviving Redwing is, I believe, now based at the Shuttleworth Trust at Old Warden Beds. Span 30'6" Length 22'8" Height 8'7" Empty Weight 870 lb Loaded Weight 1,450 lb Max Speed 95 mph Cruise Speed 85 mph Range 275 miles reply

mike hallam, e-mail, 17.11.2012 23:01 The wings folded and John Pothecary LAE & pilot kept his for years during the 1970's /80's in a closed trailer at Jack Miller's airstrip, Slinfold near Horsham, West Sussex. It is still a strip but new owner for many years now. reply

mike etheridge, e-mail, 21.09.2009 23:23 I used to live in the same road that the Redwing factory was located.About 2 years ago I bought a book that descibes the development of the Robinson Redwing and also gives details of the factory's wartime repairs of various aircraft and manufacture of aircraft spares.It mentions that the Redwing company owned Gatwick airport in the early 1930's Only 12 Redwing planes were constructed, one for the comedy actor Will Hay, and I think only one survives and is located at Redhill airport. The reference on the rear of the book is ISBN 0 9519808 07 It was published by Mrs Philis Lane and printed by Michael Heath Limited based at Reigate in 1992 The book is titled 'The Redwing story' by John Lane reply

Howard W Worsley, e-mail, 10.05.2008 22:01 Dear Sir or Madam I have an original sales brochure from 1931.My Grandfathers sister was married to Percy Robinson, I think. My Mothers sister is still alive and living in Claverdon, Warwickshire. My Auntie Betty would still be able to give someone some history. reply