HAWKER’S START

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10295, 2 June 1919, Page 5

HAWKER’S START

AN AMERICAN VERSION. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK, May 20 (delayed). The St. John's correspondent of the "New York Times” states that Hawker’s machine weighed 62001 b, and was so heavily laden that it was at first believed that it would not be able to rise, but after racing over the Mount Pearl field for a distance of 300 yards the machine soared gracefully skyward. The few spectators who witnessed the flight cheered heartily and watched ihc machine circle about and manoeuvre into the wind, and set its face over the city, where it signalled farewell to Raynham, and headed seaward. The marine signalman at Cabot towel, which surmounts the hill at the north entrance to St. John’s harbour, signalled within 10 minutes that the Sopwith was out of sight. When Raynham saw that Hawker had started, ho took the matter philosophically and said that he could give the Sopwith two or three hours’ lead and still beat it, because the Martinsyde could travel 20 miles an hour faster. A few minutes later, Raynham and Morgan pushed their machine wit of the hangar, and started the engine, and, about an hour after Hawker’s departure, Raynham was ready for the start. The machine rose a few feet and then fell, smashing the wings and body, crumpling the under carriage, and jarring the engine and fuselage. Expert airmen present declare that the machine is unfit for further flying un. less it is taken to England and rePa Ahoiit 10,000 persons witnessed the accident. Morgan and Raynham were cut about the face, but were able to walk unassisted. Before leaving. Hawker said he bad absolutei confidence in bis engine and his navigator, Commander Grieve. Ho asked Grieve if he could not dispense witli his pyjamas in order to lighten the ’plane. When asked if he would bo able to sleep during the voyage, Hawker replied: “We will have a long sleep at the end.’* ~. Hawker estimated that he would have fire hours’ sunlight, and then starlight and moonlight. He anticipated that the trip would occupv TO hours, and believed that ho would be able to maintain a speed of 106 miles per hour after dropping the under-carriage. (Received Juno 1. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 30. Hawker, with his wife and Lieutenant Grieve, flew at a gala at Hendon. To welcome the aviators scores of aeroplanes piloted by the most prominent airmen did '‘stunts,” giving a marvellous display of aerial feats. The heroes were cheered on landing. Hawker gave an .exhibition monoplane flight. (Received June 1, 5.0 p.m.) NEW TORE, May 19. The “Now York Times” correspondent says: It is estimated that the aeroplane started at a speed of one hundred miles an hour. Hawker aud Grieve wore heavy woollen clothing under inflatable rubber suits, which it was believed would keep them afloat for forty-eight hours if they fell into the sea. When Hawker studied the weather early in the morning, he said he thought he would beat the “Yanks” across. Hawker and Grieve carefully figured out their course on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. They carried wireless apparatus having a radius of 250 miles. During the preparations Hawker showed no signs of any nervousness, and appeared perfectly calm. He was informed of Raynham’s mishap by wireless. Grieve said; , “We shall fly straight for Ireland, relying for positions on the stars to-night.” Hawker, before starting, said: Wo shall roach an altitude of 10,000 feet quickly after we start, and hold that altitude until we reach the other side; then rise to 15,000 feet in order to get a ’planing radius of fifteen miles in the event of the motor going wrong. Wo have flown for _nino and threequarter hours in nmgland, covering just half the distance across the Atlantic. Flying over the sea relieves the mind of any worry. Flying oyer land means constant worry in seeking for land-marks.” AMERICAN TRIBUTE TO HAWKER The New York papers pay a tribute to Hawker’s great daring ? but emphasise the dangers of his adventure, which are described as the most perilous in air flight in history. SOPWITH BARS FURTHER ATTEMPT. LONDON, May 30. Sopwith will not ask Hawker and Grieve to malce another attempt across the Atlantic. The Board of Trade has awarded pieces- of plate to the Marie’s captain, and medals and money to the boat’s crew for rescuing Hawker and Grieve. SALVAGE OF HAWKER’S AEROPLANE. (Received June 2, 12.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, May 31.

A “New York Times” message from Falmouth states that Captain Bake, of Charlottesville, who landed Hawker’s aeroplane, considers the machine his property. It is understood that Sopwiths have offered a largo sum for the salvage. THE AMERICAN ATTEMPT N.C.4’s EXPERIENCES. LAST STAGE STARTED. Australian and N.Z. fable Association. NEW YORK, May 30. The United States airplane N.C.4 has left Lisbon for Plymouth. A wireless message received states that N.C.4 was compelled to descend at Mondego, 100 miles north of Lisbon, owing to adverse winds. The machine was not damaged, and 's expected to resume tho flight to-morrow. ARRIVAL AT PLYMOUTH. (Received Juno 1, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. May 31. N.C.-4 has arrived at Plymouth. The machine flow tho Channel at an altitude of 200 feet. Brigadier-General Seely, Air Minister, welcomed tho crew. “A SLOW JOURNEY.’' (Received Juno 1, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON,. May 31. N.C. 4 made a slow journey from Forrol to Plymouth, not exceeding seventy knots an hour.

CREW RECEIVE A CIVIC WELCOME. I (Received June 2, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 1. NCi flew from Ferrol to Plymouth in seven hours. (Received June 1, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 30. The crew of NC4 was given a naval, military and civic welcome at Plymouth. The King telegraphed his congratulations. CAREFUL PREPARATIONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK, May 17. The Washington correspondent of the "New York World" states that the Navy Department has revealed tho contents of the sealed orders, showing that the seaplanes' flight was planned to the minutest details many months ago. Tho orders outline the speed, equipment, route, the crews of the 'planes, tho manner in which the flight should be made, the course to be patrolled by tho ressels, the wireless equipment, and the place of landing at tho Azores, otc. The orders state- that after arrival :.t tho Azores the 'planes were to re-fuel quickly and remain not more than the night, and start for Lisbon, 900 miles away. Thence, after a night's stay, they were to fly to Plymouth, 775 miles away. HELP FROM DESTROYERS. NEW YORK, May 1&. Commander Read, describing tho journey of the N.C.4 to the Azores, says he si>axted the flight at an altitude of 800 ft, and then rose to 1800 ft. He sighted each destroyer owing to their brilliant illumination. After passing the sixteenth destroyer, the airplano entered a fog and was compelled to rise to 3000 ft. The fog prevented them continuing the flight direct to Ponta Delgada. The seaplane needed only slight repairs. COST OF THE EFFORT. NEW YORK, Mav 13. Trep&ssey estimates state that the Transatlantic flight will cost the United States 1,000,000d01, of which 50,000d0l will be chargeable to research, 200,000 dollars to airplanes and equipment, and the balance to the operations of the destroyers.