AIR FORCE VENTURE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1938, Page 5

AIR FORCE VENTURE

THE NON=STOP FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA DEPARTURE FROM EGYPT ATTEMPT ON WORLD RECORD By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, November 5. The three R.A.F. Vickers Wellesley bombers took off from Ismailia on their non-stop flight to Australia at 3.5 a.m. (G.M.T.) today. They reported their position south-west of Karachi at 5.50 p.m .(G.M.T.), all on their true course. The speed of No 1 plane was 173 miles an hour, No. 3 167 m.p.h., and No. 2 165 m.p.h. A British Official Wireless message states that the three matchines are under the flight leadership of Squadron Leader R. Kellett. The fourth machine, which flew with the-others to Ismailia from Cranwell, is following the other three by easy stages carrying Wing Commander R. Gayford, who has been in charge of the unit since its formation. To break the present world record of 6306 miles, one or more of the aircraft must cover 6368 miles, but if, as they hope, one or more reaches Port Darwin nonstop, a distance of 7162 statute miles on the great circle will have been flown and a new world record created. The plans provide for the aircraft to fly in loose formation or independently at the discretion of the leader. The planes are fitted with automatic flying control. • MALAYA PASSED SINGAPORE, November 6. Thre three Vickers Wellesleys have all passed Malaya. They are expected to reach Darwin, Australia, at 2.30 a.m. (G.M.T.). FURTHER PROGRESS WEATHER REPORTED STORMY (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) SINGAPORE, November 6. The Vickers-Wellesley bombers passed over the Anamba Islands, between Malaya and Borneo, at 1.10 p.m. G.M.T., flying well. The No 1 machine was later reported in a position near the south-west coast of Borneo, The weather is stormy.