Short S-25 Sunderland G-BJHS taxiing past the Burmah Castrol terminal on the Thames, 6 August 1982—final UK movements before export to the US.
Photographer Stuart H Boune
© Stuart H Bourne / Quality Aviation Photos International.
Historic image of Short S-25 Sunderland G-BJHS (c/n SH974, ex ML814) taxiing past the Burmah Castrol terminal on the River Thames, London, on 6 August 1982. This rare moment captures the aircraft during its final UK movements before export to the United States for preservation in Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight collection.
Originally delivered to the RAF in 1944 as ML814, this Sunderland served with No. 230 Squadron in maritime patrol and convoy escort roles. Post-war, it was converted for civilian use and registered as G-BJHS. The aircraft is seen here navigating the Thames in a transitional phase between operational legacy and preservation, framed against the industrial backdrop of the Burmah Castrol facility.
This image complements the Tower Bridge sequence, offering a contrasting viewpoint that emphasizes the aircraft’s scale and maritime heritage. A must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of British flying boats and post-war aviation history.
