1936 Press Photo – Rev. Cecil Boulton, “The Flying Evangelist,” in Aircraft Cockpit

Original 1936 press photograph of Reverend Cecil Boulton, curate of Warblington, Hampshire (Hants), pictured in the cockpit of his personal aircraft. Issued on March 16, 1936, the photograph and accompanying caption document Rev. Boulton’s role as an early pioneer of aviation among clergy and his efforts to establish airborne evangelism.

According to the original typed caption on the verso, Rev. Boulton was:

• One of the first ordained ministers in the United Kingdom to both earn a pilot’s “A” licence and own his own aircraft

• Frequently seen flying over the Portsmouth area in his plane, named “Silver Wings”

• Planning to launch an evangelistic air mission that summer, flying to remote areas and holding Sunday services in open fields for those otherwise unable to attend church

This photograph offers valuable insight into the intersection of early civil aviation and religious outreach in 1930s Britain. It reflects the novel use of personal aircraft in non-commercial, community-serving missions, predating similar efforts in missionary aviation globally.

The photo retains its original press caption and was intended for publication in news services highlighting unique human-interest stories within aviation.