I was just about to board the plane on a flight back to London Gatwick.

Previously owned by a number of other civilian operators (during which it carried serial WZ838 at one time for trooping flights), it was acquired by its last operator, Air Links, on 24 October 1962. It was eventually the last Hermes 4 in service and made its final flight on 22 December 1964, when it positioned from Gatwick to Southend, where it was parked until scrapped in March 1965. It was cancelled 9 August 1965 as PWFU. Parked ahead of it in this photo are engineless Vikings G-AJFR & G-APOO, also awaiting scrapping.

Initially operated by BOAC from 1949 to 1956, then it went to Airwork from 1956 to 1959 and here in service with Bournemouth based Falcon Airways from October 1959 to December 1960. Next it flew with Air Safaris in 1960/61 then Air Links/Transglobe Airways until withdrawn from use in 1965.

Scrapping well under way on the last operational Hermes 4.

The last operational Hermes 4 being prepared for scrapping.

Withdrawn from use along with G-AJFR and 2 other Channel Airways Vikings.

At the Biggin Hill Air Fair

Photographed awaiting operator's paint scheme.

Operated by Air Safaris between 10.60 and 11.61. Operating a Summer I/T flight.

Operating an inclusive tour service under sub-charter a few months before this last-of-the-line airliner was withdrawn and scrapped.

The last operational Handley Page Hermes, powered by four Bristol Hercules radial engines, takes off during the 1963 Biggin Hill Air Fair.