9th December 1933
Jersey Airways is founded
Jersey Airways flew its first commercial flight between Jersey and Portsmouth on 18 December 1933, just nine days after it was founded by Walter Thurgood. However, air transport was still in its infancy and the de Havilland Dragon aircraft that it operated had to land on and take off from the beach at St Aubin. Jersey Airport wouldn’t open for another four years, but was requisitioned for military use during the occupation, bringing commercial air travel to a pause.
The airline’s name disappeared in 1947 when the British government nationalised all airlines within its domain, and Jersey Airways was subsumed into British European Airways.
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Other events that occured in December
Channel Island cargo ships collide
- Two British Transport Commission cargo ships serving the channel islands collided in December 1955 resulting in significant damage.
- Read more…
Elizabeth Castle is bombed into submission
- Forces loyal to King Charles I held out for two months in Elizabeth Castle during the English Civil War, despite heavy bombardment.
- Read more…
Jersey’s German post delivered 71 years late
- Ninety letters written by German soldiers stationed in Jersey during the Second World War took 71 years to be delivered.
- Read more…
John Pinel stands trial for abduction
- John Pinel was tried for abduction after taking Susan Malzard into his home and threatening to shoot anyone who approached.
- Read more…
