Initially Gallery

English Electric Canberra B.2 WV787

Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment - English Electric Canberra B.2 WV787 (msn 71644), water-spray tanker for icing tests, at RAF Greenham Common on 27 June 1981 for the 1981 International Air Tattoo. The aircraft requiring the test flew behind WV787's water spray bar, seen at the extreme rear of the fuselage, as water was pumped out producing an artificial cloud. Built as a Canberra 8.2, WV787 was a good example of a development aircraft. Initially used as a test-bed for reheated Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engines, the aircraft was later fitted with a Mk 8 front fuselage and Buccaneer nose radome for use as a radar test-bed. Relegated to Ground instructional use as 8799M, then preserved at Newark Air Museum, Nottinghamshire. Date: 1981

© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans

Portrait of Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (1844-1900), fourth child and second son of Queen Victoria. Married the Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia. Heir to the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg, Alfred was a career sailor in the British navy. His choice of bride was initially unpopular with Queen Victoria who was instinctively opposed to a Russian union following the Crimean War. The marriage took place in the Winter Palace at St. Petersburg on January 23rd 1874 and couple journeyed to England in March

© Charlotte Zeepvat/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library