FLIGHT RECORD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 23, 7 November 1938, Page 5

FLIGHT RECORD

ATTEMPT BY BRITISH ’PLANES. THREE BOMBERS ON JOURNEY. ~ * AUSTRALIA THEIR DESTINATION. (United Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON, November 5. The three Vickers-Wellesley bombers of the Royal Air Force took off from Ismailia for Australia at 3.55 a.m. (G.M.T.). They were j reported south-west of Karachi at 5.50 p.m. (G.M.T.). All were on a true course. The speed of No. 1 aeroplane was 173 miles an hour, No. 3 167, and No. 2 165. The three bombers are under the flight leadership of Squadron-Leader R. Kellett. The fourth ’plane, 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 non-stop, a distance of 7162 statute miles on the great circle will have been flown, and a. new world record will he created.

The plans provide for the aircraft to fly in' loose formation or independently at the discretion of the leader.' The aeroplanes are fitted with automatic flying control. A message from Singapore says that all three bombers passed over Malaya on their way to Darwin.

FURTHER PROGRESS REPORTED. (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. No. 1 ’plane was late and reported her position as near the southwest coast of Borneo. The weather was stormy. SIX THOUSAND MILES COVERED. (Received This* Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, November 6. Bomber No. 1 was at 6 p.m. G.M.T. approximately over Laut. Island, having covered 6000 miles. , Earlier the Air Ministry announced that No. 1 and No. 3 were flying abreast about 100 miles past the west coast of Borneo. WEST OF CELEBES ISLAND. (Received This Day, 12.55 p.m.) LONDON, November 6. Bomber No. 3, at 8 p.m. (G.M.T.) was 100 miles west of Celebes.