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NEW FLIGHT.

CAIRO TO THE CAPE. THREE PLANES ON THE WAY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, London, Feb. 5. There was great secrecy in the preparations for the Cairo to the Cape flight. It is now known that three aeroplanes have started, including Captains Broome and Cockereil, of the Air Force, who left on January 24 and have reached Heliopolis, Egypt. Colonel van Ryneveld and Lieutenant Btfand, on board a VickeTS machine identical with Ross-Smith's, left Brooklands yesterday. Lieutenants F. S. Cotton and W. A. Townsend, both Australians, on board a D.H- 14, 'eft Hendon yesterday and left Lympe this morning. It is understood that Major Bractley is almost ready to start on board a Hsndley-Page. Received Feb. 6, 8.25 p.m. London, Feb. 5.

In order to secure secrecy in connection with the Cape to Cairo flight, firms obtained permission for Customs clearance from their own aerodrome. Consequently the Press was kept in the dark regarding the date of departure, and the secrecy was such that it only transpired this afternoon Major Brackley's Handley Page machine actually departed a week ago, whereas it was generally understood the preparations were,not yet complete. Information has leaked out that the machine has left Brindisi for Cairo.

In connection with the receipt of news that a member of the crew, A. Staton, was killed in Italy from the Australians' De Harilland machine, it is pointed out that the machine is of the most modern type, is equipped with a Napier-Lyon 450 horse-power engine, and was built under Lieut. Townsend's personal supervision.

Lieut. Townsend is a West Australian. He joined the Australian Flying Corps as an engineer, and held a high reputation for skill. He soon secured his wings, and his commission followed. Lieut. Townsend was on the Cap Verde boat roll, and successfully made an eleventh hour appeal for cancellation in order to participate in the flight. Lieut. Cotton is a Queenslander. He has served in the Royal Naval Air Service since 1915. He invented the socalled sidcot, a one-piece flying suit. Both secured their discharge in England. Lieut. Cotton was employed as a pilot for the Airco Company, and Lieut. Townsend as technical adviser for the Napier Co., Both hope to fly from South Africa after the completion of the flight, but in the event of a scarcity of petrol they intend to bring their machine by steamer later to Australia;—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

KEEN RIVALRY OF NATIONS. PREMIER POSITION OF BRITAIN. Received Feb. 6, 9.30 p.m. London, Feb. 5. The honor of being the first to achieve the Cairo to Cape flight has been the subject nf keen international rivalry. Italy and France were particularly anxious to deprive Britain of her premier position in long distance flying, and have made strenuous efforts to secure in advance information in reference to Britain's survey of the route and arrangements for landing, etc., but the information was kept a close secret until everything was in readiness for the flight. Rivalry amongst British firms was equally keen. Captain Broome was the first to get away, but his subsequent progress was kept a secret until he reached Cairo. Meanwhile preparations for the departure of a second Vickers machine, financed by the South African Government, which purchased the aeroplane, were being rapidly and secretly pushed forward.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DISTINGUISHED AVIATORS, MEN OE BOLD SCHEMES. Received Feb. 6, 10.10 p.m. London, Feb. 5. Lieut. Cotton contemplated participating in the Australian flight, but he was unable to complete preparations in time. He also discussed ait entertaining projected trans-Pacifie flight, which was subsequently abandoned. Major Brackley was the pilot chosen to fly the Handley Page machine in the. trans-Atlantic flight, but he returned to" England after' the Vickers' success. All the pilots engaged in the Cape flight have seen much war service, and have many decorations. With the exception of the De Havilland machine, all carried two mechanics in addition to two pilots. Colonel van Ryneveld is liason officer between the Air Ministry -and South Africa. Lieut. Brand is a nephew of the klate President of the Orange Fret State, Cable Assn.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19200207.2.39

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1920, Page 7

Word count
Tapeke kupu
678

NEW FLIGHT. Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1920, Page 7

NEW FLIGHT. Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1920, Page 7

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