10/01/2025
A Farewell to the Anson
From Bill Reid
A chapter closes, and with it, a remarkable journey transitions to new horizons. Most of you will now know that Avro Anson MK-1 MH-120, affectionately known as “Gentle Annie,” has been sold overseas—a decision that has not been easy and not without regret. Time, however, is catching up with me, and I know she needs someone younger, with the time and passion to carry her legacy forward. It has been a very emotional three months dismantling and packing her up, reflecting on the incredible memories we’ve shared over the past 22 years.
From the day Robyn and I first brought her into our lives, through a decade of restoration, and then the past 12 years spent flying her, the Anson has been more than just an aircraft. She has been a friend who through her presence has introduced us to so many good people who shared our passion for aviation history.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this journey so special. To all the dozens of volunteers, the engineers, pilots, and ground crew whose skill and dedication have kept her in the air. To the friends and family who supported and encouraged us along the way; and to the many customers who joined us on adventure flights, sharing in the history and magic of this incredible aircraft. You brought us immense pleasure in helping to keep her story alive.
Most of all, my deepest gratitude goes to the tens of thousands of aircrew who flew operationally or trained on Ansons during their service. Their courage and sacrifice not only gave this aircraft its enduring legacy but also helped secure the precious freedoms we have enjoyed for the past 80 years.I Have been very fortunate to have flown some former Aircrew from the war over the last decade who all remembered their time in Anson’s with great fondness. More than once I caught sight of a tear of happiness.
Now, MH-120 begins a new chapter under the care of Richard Santus and his team at RAF Station Czechoslovakia, her new owners in the Czech Republic. I take solace in knowing that her story is far from over. Richard’s passion for aviation and preservation will ensure she continues to inspire and connect people with her incredible history. It is Richards intention to display the aircraft at airshows all around Europe in the coming years
I don’t think she could have found a better home. She is sure to be cherished and pampered even more so than she was here.
For those of you who wonder why the Czech Republic. It is worth looking up the contribution that over two thousand Czech Airmen who escaped from the N**i occupation and made their way to England in those dark early days of World War 2 to join the RAF and help carry the Allies to eventual victory.
It is a story that Richard and his team are dedicated to telling and I applaud them.
For those of you who have been in contact over the past couple of months disappointed that you missed out on taking a flight with us the good news is, it is RAF Station Czechoslovakias intention to carry on doing WW2 Aircrew experience flights in MH120 from their base at Podhorany to get in contact email: [email protected] or go to their website:
www.tigermoth.cz
Once again thank you all for being part of this extraordinary journey. Here’s to the Anson, and to the history she carries onward to old skies but new beginnings.
