It is with great sadness that we received the news of David Lang’s passing away on 3rd March. He was a well-respected resident and neighbour.
Former Handley Page apprentice and member of both the Handley Page Association and the Victor Association, he became a devoted Handley Page ambassador, raising awareness among residents, Barnet Council and the Brent Cross Regeneration about the amazing and innovative aeronautical past of this area.
It was thanks to him that we learnt about Handley Page’s innovative airplane designs and the setting up between the World Wars of Handley Page Transport – in particular its pioneering civilian aviation flight from London to Paris, starting from the former Cricklewood Aerodrome, now the Golders Green Estate. Handley Page Transport later merged with other companies to form Imperial Airways, now British Airways.
All-Weather Mac had a distinguished flying career which began in 1917 and lasted 54 years, flying in both world wars, between the wars and after the second world war. On this historic occasion, David Lang had arranged for All-Weather Mac to return to the site of Cricklewood Aerodrome 60 years after he flew the last international scheduled air service from Cricklewood Aerodrome to Paris, Le Bourget on 28th May 1921 in the Handley Page biplane airliner with the registration G-EATM. He flew this aircraft back to Croydon Aerodrome the following day.
David influenced and was always supportive of the Clitterhouse Farm Project, now Our Yard at Clitterhouse, and the Memories Local History Group.
His legacy will always be remembered.
Our sympathy goes to his family.