G-ATHN, cn. 084 is a 1947 SNCAN (Nord) N1101 Noralpha with the military designation "RAMIER" or Woodpigeon. The N1101 is a French built development of the Messerschmitt Bf 108 which Nord produced under occupation during the Second World War. The differences are that the Ramier features a retractable tricycle landing system and has been reengined from the German Argus As 10C to the French Renault 6Q-10 as the former was no longer readily available. This project began in 1943 under the direction of Messerschmitt as the Bf.108B-2 or the Me-208 with two being constructed before liberation and still using the Argus. Nord decided to continue the project building 205 re-engined Noralphas from 1944 which served the French Airforce, Army Light Aviation and the Navy in a Communication and Liaison role. These aircraft served until 1974 in this role. In the civilian sphere Noralphas became immediately valuable to flying clubs across Europe as they featured both retractable gears and an electrical variable pitch propellor which allowed them more specialised certifications for their pilots. Today around 25 to 30 of Nords and Taifuns are still airworthy, the majority of which live in Germany.
084 was constructed in 1948 and entered French military service the same year. 084 left Armée de l'air service in 1964 where it had served in a communication role, to the Association Union Aerienne de L Escaut, Prouvy with new civilian registration F-BFUZ. Later that year it transferred to the Aero Club de La Cote D Or in Darois, Dijon keeping the registration F-BFUZ. The aircraft only remained in service a year until the registration was cancelled in 1965. The aircraft was then purchased in and transferred onto the G register as G-ATHN by Norman Durrant of Edgbaston, Birmingham. In 1967 the Aircraft was purchased by Edwin Lewis Martin and transported to Guernsey, Channel Islands with the new british registration G-ATHN. The Aircraft was cherished by E.L. Martin and flown extensively for many years on the island, later to be complemented by the EAA Biplane G-ATEP built by Martin in 1967. Martin was then the final owner of the Aircraft until he made the decision to put it into storage in 1991 in a container at his home. The aircraft would remain there until 2024 when the aircraft was transported the long distance north to Northumberland where it is to be restored.
