1936 Press Photo – Tommy Rose Exits King’s Cup–Winning Aircraft After Cape-to-London Record

Original 1936 press photograph of Flight Lieutenant Tommy Rose taken at Croydon Airport, dated March 9, 1936, as he disembarks from his aircraft following a record-setting solo flight from Cape Town, South Africa to London. The side of the aircraft prominently displays “King’s Cup Winner 1935”, confirming the aircraft's prior race victory.

According to the original typed caption on verso:

• Rose broke the Cape-to-London flight record by 7 hours and 5 minutes

• He surpassed the time set by Flying Officer Llewellyn and Mrs. Wyndham

• He also broke the solo flight record from Cape Town, previously held by Mrs. Mollison (Amy Johnson) since December 1932, which was 7 days, 7 hours

The photograph captures Rose standing atop his aircraft, hat in hand, addressing onlookers after completing the record-setting flight. The image conveys both the prestige of competitive long-distance aviation in the 1930s and the personal accomplishment of one of Britain's most celebrated pre-war air racers.

This photo is historically significant for documenting a key moment in the Golden Age of Air Racing, as well as the legacy of the King’s Cup Air Race, one of the most prestigious aviation competitions in the United Kingdom.