27 July 1914

The Handley Page Type G was the first H-P military aircraft. Built out of a desire to improve on the BE.2, it was purchased by the Lakes Flying Co., to be flown by Rowland Ding. In a mishap on 27 July 1914, it was damaged and returned to the factory. 'When war began in 1914, this aircraft was bought by the Royal Naval Air Service and stationed at Hendon. Its offensive and defensive potentialities were limited to one Webley revolver, worn by the pilot. During a patrol, the biplane was mistaken by London's defenders for a Taube and riddled with bullets, but without serious effect.'