Maurice Summers 1911-2001

Maurice Summers (Left) with Gerry Sayer

Maurice Summers (left) with brother ‘Mutt’ Summers

Maurice Summers was born in Hull. His first flight was on January 15, 1930 at the age of 18. He served on active duty in the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm until 1934 when he became a test pilot. Prior to World War II, Mr. Summers delivered aircraft around the world including two tours with the Chinese Air Force in 1937 and 1939. In 1940, Mr. Summers was placed in charge of Bomber Development Flying for Vickers Armstrong. In March 1941, he piloted the first B-24 ''Liberator'' Bomber to England setting the then Trans-Atlantic speed record of 7-1/2 hours. Twice during his flying career Mr. Summers' life was saved by parachute. He met with a
serious accident while flying a Warwick and was grounded for medical reasons. He was placed in charge of Vickers information and publicity department.Previous to joining Vickers - Armstrongs, Mr. Summers was for a considerable time with the Gloster Aircraft Co., Ltd., as a
test pilot, and worked with the late Gerry Sayers.His brother Joseph was the reknowned Vickers test pilot.