Type Description:  

The Miles Messenger is a single-engined, 4-seat low wing monoplane of wooden construction. It has a fixed undercarriage and large external flaps. 

Designed to operate from unprepared airstrips in forward battle zones, the aircraft has several 
noteworthy features: --

      (a)    A large wing area to ensure very low take-off and landing speeds. 
(b)   Large flaps to permit steep descent angles.
(c)    The triple fins ensure good directional control at low airspeeds.
(d)   A rugged trailing link main undercarriage to absorb bumps from rough surfaces.
(e)    Large windows to provide a good view.
(f)     Large doors to permit easy access by occupants wearing parachutes.
(g)    Docile and predictable flying characteristics for pilots of limited experience.

Type History:  

In 1942 the Messenger was born from an unofficial (and unauthorized) request to Miles Aircraft Limited by some British Army officers for a unique Air Observation Post and liaison aircraft. Developed in only 3 months from the (similar) Miles M28 Mercury, the aircraft first flew on the September 12th 1942. It quickly became a technical success, but senior Army officials reacted indignantly by posting the upstart officer, who had instigated the initial request, to the far reaches of the North African Desert Campaign! 

Eventually a small number of the aircraft were taken on by the Army and, at the end of the Second World War, limited production of several variants continued for the civilian market. Of an initial order for 250, only 81 Messengers had been built when production ceased in early 1948.

History of Our Example: 

¨1946   The Museum’s example was built as a civilian machine in Newtownards, Northern Ireland and registered in the United Kingdom as G-AJKG. 

¨1953  Imported into Australia in 1953 and registered as VH-AVQ.  

¨1953 ~ 1962  Owned and flown by Lord Casey of Berwick, a former Governor General of Australia. (The Museum also owns Lord Casey’s hangar, which was also originally sited at Casey Field, Berwick. The aircraft will eventually be displayed in the hangar that housed it during its flying life). 

¨1962  Grounded, along with other surviving Messengers, due to concerns about the integrity of the glue used in its wooden structure. 

¨ 1962 ~ 1965   Displayed in the open at the Dobby Brothers’ motor wrecker’s yard in Ringwood, Victoria. 

¨ 1965   Purchased by Museum Member and minor restoration commenced while the aircraft was stored. 

¨ 1982   Donated to the Museum and placed in secure storage. 

¨ 1987   Repaired, assembled and repainted in British military colours, then displayed for several years at the Pipe Works Market in Campbellfield. 

The aircraft is currently stored in a dismantled condition pending available space for its return to public display.

Specification:  

Messengers in Australia:

 Of the 5 Messengers imported to Australia, remarkably 3 are still in existence. 

 *Converted from a military Messenger 1