AIR FLYING.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1920, Page 2

AIR FLYING.

By Electric Telegraph—Copj igbtj

AN AIH FLIGHT

I CAIRO TO CAPE. | LONDON, Yeb. 6. | The honour of first achieving the : Cairo to Cape flight has been the subject of keen international rivalry and i it is stated the French are particularly • anxious to deprive Britain of premier j position in Jong distance flying, and have made strenuous efforts to secure I advance information in reference to . Britain’s survey of the route, etc. J In order to secure secrecy in connecj tion. with the Cape to Cairo flight, aeroplane firms obtained permission for eusj toms clearance from their own aerodromes. Consequently the Press was kept in the dark regarding the date of departure. The secrecy was such it only transpired this afternoon that Major Broackley’s Handley-Page machine actually departed a week ago, whereas it was generally understood preparations were not yet completed. Information has leaked out that the machine has left Brindisi for Cairo Broilckley was the pilot chosen to fly a Handley-Page machine in a trans-At-lantic flight, but returned to England after Vickers success. Information was kept a close secret until everything was in readiness for the flight. Rivalry amongst British firms is equally keen. Broosne was first? to get away, but his subsequent progress was kept a secret until he reached Cairo. Meanwhile preparation for departure of a second Vickers machine, financed by the South African Government, which has purchased an aeroplane, are being rapidly and secretly pushing forward. Cotton contemplated participation in the Australian flight, but was unable to complete preparations in time. He also discussed enterprising a trails Pacific flight which subsequently was abandoned.

In connection with the receipt of news that a member of the crew Riggora Stoteu was killed in Italy from an Australian de Havilland machine, it is pointed out the machine is of the most modern type, equipped with a NapierLion 440 horse-power engine, built under Townsend’s personal supervision. All pilots engaged inTbe Cape flight have much war service, and many de-

corations. With the exception of the De Haviland machine, all carried two mechanics in addition to two pilots. Colonel Vanrydevild is a liasou officer between the Air Ministry asd South Africa.

Lieut Brand is a nephew of the late President of the Orange Free State. Townsend is a West Australian and joined the Australian Flying Corps as engineer. Ho held a high reputation for skill and soon secured wings and his

commission followed. Townsend was successfully made the eleventh hour appeal for cancellation in order to participate in the flight. Cotton is a Queenslander and served in the Royal Naval Air Force since 1015. He invented a so-called sideott one-piece flying suit. Both secured a discharge is England. Cotton is employed as pilot for the Aireo and Townsend as technical adviser for Napier. Both hope to fly from South Africa after completion of tlio flight, but in the event of scarcity of petrol, intend to bring the machine by steamer and later proceed to Australia.