Southampton, Berth 50
Notes: I feel reasonably confident that this map shows the correct position. But, it is clear there have been some changes in the layout of the docks since the picture below was taken. If somebody could kindly confirm this position is correct, this advice will be most welcome.
SOUTHAMPTON (Flying boats) see also ROYAL PIER
SOUTHAMPTON, BERTH 50. Flying boat terminus
NOTES: It appears that the flying boat terminus at BERTH 50 in Southampton Docks wasn't opened until 1948 when BOAC moved their flying boat operations back from Poole Harbour in Dorset where they had relocated to in 1940 after the threat of Southampton being heavily bombed, which it was.
When BOAC decided there was no future in operating flying boats, (when?), Aquila Airways began operating the site with regular services to Madeira and many European destinations. It appears that Aquila started off in 1948 taking part in the Berlin airlift where they landed on the lakes in Potsdam. These operations, I believe, were purely freight only.
Nevertheless I do believe that these flying boat operations by Aquila, after WW2, have largely gone unsung by most people. Which seems a great shame. Mind you, the operation didn't have a very good safety record and it appears BERTH 50 closed for good, in line with Aquila, in 1958. You can of course look up Aquila on Wikipedia.
Note: In the 1957 edition of The Aeroplane directory it appears that Aquila were operating Short Hythes and Short Solents, and were listed as a Scheduled Airline Operator. Their destinations for freight and passengers were; Capri, Genoa, Las Palmas, Lisbon, Madeira, Marseilles and St Margherita.
The latter had me stumped so I had to look it up. In fact I have been there with my wife, and stopped there on the way to Portofino. It is just along the coast, about 30km or so, east of Genova (Genoa), and it is very easy to see how very attractive this destination must have been. It still is! Obviously, at the time, I had no idea whatsoever that British flying boats once landed here.
Note: This picture from a postcard was kindly sent by Mike Charlton, who has an amazing collection. See, www.aviationpostcard.co.uk
I think this might be quite a rare picture in as much as this appears to be a rare example of a Short Sunderland being operated by BOAC just after WW2. The blanked off front gun turret is clearly visible.
Bruce Tucker
This comment was written on: 2019-04-19 20:32:52Thanks for posting this wonderful photo. I was a Pay Master Lieutenant RNR based at HMS Wessex 50 berth from 1967 to 1975. This brought back so many memories.
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