This aircraft was the eighth Empire boat to be completed and flown by Short Bros at Rochester, Kent

The order was placed by Imperial Airways, London - May 27, 1935

It was completed as an S-23 Empire Class flying boat having 920 h.p. Bristol Pegasus Xc engines

The standard fuel capacity was 650 gallons

It had an all-up weight of 40,500 lbs (18,380 kg) which was later increased to 53,000 lbs (24,200 kg)

The cruising speed was 164 m.p.h. with a standard range of 760 miles / 1,245 km

Entered onto the British Aircraft Register as G-ADUY - October 07, 1935

Launched on the Medway at Rochester - February 11, 1937

First flown as G-ADUY - February 15, 1937

The Certificate of Registration Issued - February 16, 1937

Delivered to Imperial Airways, London - February 16, 1937

The aircraft was named 'Capella'

Operated the inaugural Southampton - Kisumu service - May 15, 1937

It was damaged beyond repair in Batavia Harbour (Captain H. B. Hussey) - March 12, 1939

It struck a submerged object whilst taxiing for take-off

The aircraft was dismantled on site with all major components shipped back to England

On inspection it was found to be beyond economical repair and was scrapped

Some components were reused in the repair of other aircraft

Estimated cost to dismantle aircraft, return it to England and scrap was UKP 2,100 (UKP 41,265 today)

G-ADUY. Imperial Airways - 'Capella' in the all-metal livery at Southampton, June 1937.

(P. Sheehan Collection Copyright Image 2545-886.)

G-ADUY. Imperial Airways - 'Capella' in the all-metal livery at Rochester, circa 1937.

(R. N. Smith Collection Copyright Image 2545-265.)

G-ADUY. Imperial Airways - 'Capella' in the all-metal livery at Rochester, circa 1937.

(P. Sheehan Collection Copyright Image 2545-778.)

G-ADUY. Imperial Airways - 'Capella' in the all-metal livery at Batavia Harbour, March 12, 1939.

(P. Sheehan Collection Copyright Image 2545-885.)