Stock Photo - Gustav Hamel's aeroplane ready to leave Hendon Aerodrome for Windsor on the very first airmail flight. The first aerial mail service took place on 9 September 1911 from Hendon to Windsor and back again, and Hamel was the first pilot to arrive. King George V gave permission for the aeroplanes to land in the grounds of Windsor Castle. During September 1911 the Grahame-White company operated an experimental air mail service for two weeks between Hendon and Windsor. As well commemorating the coronation of King George V, and raising money for charity, the event publicised the possibilities of the aeroplane as a means of transport. In this photograph the words AERIAL MAIL can be seen, painted under the wings of the plane.