Captain HUBERT BROAD

Captain Hubert S Broad MBE AFC

(1897-1975)

Official US Air Force photograph of the Gloster Napier III Racer
flown by Broad to 2nd place in the 1925 Schneider Cup

Signed by Hubert Broad in blue ink

Captain Hubert Stanford Broad (1897–1975) was one of Britain’s pioneering aviators—WWI pilot, daring air racer, and renowned test pilot.

Born in Watford on 18 May 1897, Broad learned to fly in 1915 at Hendon, earning Pilot Certificate No. 2,044 on a single-engined Caudron. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service soon after, flying Sopwith Pups with 3 Squadron over France. Wounded in action, he returned to England to instruct before resuming combat duties with the Royal Flying Corps, flying Sopwith Camels with 46 Squadron.

After the war, Broad’s career took off in civil aviation. He flew joy-riding flights for Avro, including a tour in the US with Avro seaplanes. His 1921 win in the Aerial Derby caught the attention of de Havilland, who hired him as Chief Test Pilot. Over the years, he test-flew not only de Havilland aircraft but also types from Gloster and Handley Page.

Broad represented Britain in the 1925 Schneider Trophy, placing second in a Gloster III, and won the 1926 King’s Cup Air Race in a de Havilland Moth. In 1935, he joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment, later becoming Hawker’s chief production test pilot during WWII—personally flying off single-seat fighters from the factory floor. His contributions earned him an MBE in 1946.

With over 7,500 flying hours on 200 aircraft types, Broad’s logbook spanned a golden era of aviation. He passed away in 1975 at his home in Basingstoke, leaving behind a legacy of fearless flying and technical excellence.

A scarce WWI and Schneider Trophy signature

A superb signed photograph in Fine condition, measuring approx. 9 x 7 inches