HAWKER'S FLIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 126, 28 May 1919, Page 5

HAWKER'S FLIGHT.

THROUGH CLOUD AND STORM TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE. A . GALLANT RESCUE. LONDON, May 27. The Provost welcomed the returning airmen, H. G. Hawker and Commander Grieve, at the Scottish port of Thurso. The Provost said throughout Britain and every other land the news of their safe deliverance was ringing amid rejoicing. Though they failed in their gallant purpose they had achieved great things. Their names would live for ever in the annals of the Atlantic flight. They had brought new lustre to the daring, endurance and intrepidity of our race. At this spot Lord Kitchener fareVelled his country. It was now the welcoming point for two other bravo sons of the Empire. Hawker replied: "Thank you for your kind greeting." Interviewed by the "Daily Mail," tire airman said that after passing over the Newfoundland fogs there was a clear sky for four hours; then the visibility became very bad, owing to heavy cloud banks. Eventually they flew into a heavy storm, with rain squalls, though they were above the clouds at an altitude of about 15,000 ft. . Abcrut five hours and a-half aitcr the start, owing to the choking of the filter, the temperature of the water cooling the engines rose. They overcame this difficulty by descending several thousand feet. Everything went well for another few hours, when the circulation pipe became choked and the water boiled. He realised they could not rise without Using a great deal of motor power. LAND AHEAD OF STEAMER. After 12i hours they realised they could.not proceed, as they were using up their power. Then was reached the fateful decision to play for safety. They changed their course and began to fly diagonally towards the main shipping route. Two and a-half hours later they sighted a steamer, and sent up distress signals, which were answered promptly. They flew another two miles, and landed ahead of the steamer. The sea was exceedingly rough, and despite the utmost efforts of the Danish crew, 90 minutes elapsed before they got aboard. At great risk to themselves the seamen launched .a small boat in a heavy gale. The machine was probably still afloat. "We had been 141 hours out at 8.30 o'clock in the morning," CoiXnander Grieve states. "A strong gale drove us steadily northward. / Sometimes it was impossible, owing to the presence of masses of clouds, to take bearings. We were 200 miles off our course, and had covered 1000 miles when we decided to seek a ship." ONLY TIME OF PERIL. The one and a-hal£ hours in the water was the only time the aviators were in real danger. They now feel particularly well, and in the highest spirits, anticipating their welcome in London. The King has telegraphed inviting Hawker to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. Both Hawker and Grieve were the reeipientei of astonishing receptions at each Highland station, the women throwing flowers and kisses. The aviators shook hands with hundreds of men, who fought to enter the train even when it was moving. When the "Daily Mail." while the airmen were missing, informed Mrs Hawker it was proposed to give. her a share of the £10,000, she wrote to Lord Northcliffe thanking him, but adding, "I cannot and will not believe my husband is not alive." Mr. W. M. Hughes telegraphed to Hawker his heartiest congratulations on his magnificent attempt and safe return. The one filled all Australians with pride, the other lifted a burden from their hearts. The messages of congratulation received include a number from trade unions and other Labour organisations. JUBILATION AT RETURN. The reception arrangements in London are elaborate. There will be a great ; welcome at King's Cross Station by the" | Mayor and Council of St. Pancras, a j procession to the Aero Club with an j escort of many members, a eomplimen- ! tary luncheon later in the week, and a fete at Hendon aerodrome on Saturday. Ten thousand employees of the Sopwith , firm are arranging a welcome. The King, in a message to Mrs Hawker, said, "I rejoice with you at your gallant husband's happy rescue, and trust he will long be spared to you." Queen Alexandra sent a mesage: "With all my heart I wish you and the nation joy on the safety of your gallant husband and his companion. I rejoice that a Danish ship rescued his precious life." A flood of other messages have come from all parts of the world. The jubilation in Paris exceeds anything since the armistice. The reception at King's Cross includes a military escort and bands. The Aero Club deputation will be composed of 200 members, we. '"1 drive to King's Cross in motor cars, and bring back Hawker and Grieve in a triumphant procession to the club. An Australian band has been ordered from Salisbury to play the procession from King's Cross to the Aero Club. Australian soldiers will keep the route, and others march in procession. A huge crowd is expected.