Douglas DC7 belonging to Affretair. 'TR-??? Gabon registered'

In Rhodesia 'Affretair' was known as 'Air Trans Africa', in the book 'Shadows', see bibliography section, Michael Draper clears up the questions about the aircraft used from this company run by an ex-RAF Spitfire pilot, Jack Malloch, all the aircraft were registered in the African country of Gabon, on the West Coast of Africa, 'Affretair', the company was registered there.

This photo was taken from an 'Autair' Bell 47G helicopter in August 1971, the registration on the DC7 is still covered up, look above the rear two windows, a dark rectangle, it was normal for these aircraft to fly in this way although the under wing registrations were left visible.

Supply flights into Biafra (Nigeria) at night during the late 1960s were made using this and other aircraft belonging to the company, the colour scheme on the aircraft is still in the faded KLM colours as these were once their aircraft. The missing rudder was also a common sight, they seemed to be taken off frequently for some reason, any DC7 engineers out there, let me know the reason! The book 'Shadows' is well worth reading.