MISS AMY JOHNSON

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 32, 6 August 1930, Page 9

MISS AMY JOHNSON

WILD WELCOME HOME

LONDON OUTDOES SYDNEY

LONDON, sth August.

AVhen the air liner bringing Miss Amy Johnson home crossed the coast it was accompanied by a bewildering array of 'planes, large and small, which flow in formation to Croydon, constituting tho greatest aerial welcome ever accorded in Britain. Thousands of people assembled on the cliffs saw the armada of the air escorting England's heroine. On the platform at the Croydon Aerodrome Miss Johnson stood facing a vast multitude of wolcomers at the place from which she departed unknown and unheralded three months ago. She was cool and charming—not the least perturbed by the tumultuous welcome, which must, in point of numbers and enthusiasm, have excelled any individual welcome to London. AIR MINISTER'S TRIBUTE. Lord Thomson, the Air Minister, on behalf of tho Government, said that tho flight would remain one of the most memorable achievements of tho year 1930, which had been a young woman's year. Fired by the spirit of adventure, Miss Johnson had contributed to the development of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Her lonely progress along the long trail blazed by intrepid airmen years ago, and still beset by mysteries and hazards for the most accomplished and most experienced pilots, had been wutched with tense, over-growing interest. Her indomitable resolution had compelled respect. Her plucky tenacity won a way to British hearts, and tbo people had assembled now to pay tribute to her magnificent qualities which had brought such success. Miss Johnson, replying, said that she was never so happy as when alone in tho silent places of tho sky. "These are my tastes. It requires all my courage to make speeches. I want to show you by my flying, which I am undertaking to encourage aviation in England, exactly how I love England —how glad I am to be a member of our wonderful Empire, 'and how deep my gratitude to everybody." Miss Johnson's voico was clear and distinct. It was broadcast throughout England, "Cannot we drop this Amy Johnson," she said. "She is an appalling person. I am sick of the sight of photographs and. newspapers —sick of my own name. I find people always imagining she is different from what they expected. Cannot we now call' her 'Johnny,' as she was known in the London Aero Club?" When the speeches were finished the crowd rushed toward the platform. _ Miss Johnson shook hands with friends. She was then surrounded by enthusiastic friends and virtually rushed off her feet toward an awaiting car, which was followed by a procession to tho aerodrome, Amy waving to tho crowd. By then darkness had fallen and the procossion continued under the flare of flood-lights toward the aerodrome buildings. TRIUMPHAL PROGRESS. When Miss Johnson emerged from the buildings she was escorted by a dozen policemen. Sha re-entered the ,cnr and began a triumphal journey to London. It was midnight before she reached Grosvenor House, after a long drive through streets lined six deep with cheering crowds. The car slowed up passing tho Cenotaph, to which Miss Johnson paid tribute. Progress was difficult through Trafalgar square, and tho enthusiasm was intensified at Grosvenor House. Miss Johnson was mobbed as she stepped out of the car and forced her way up the steps, assisted by the police. Excited girls threw mascots, flowers, and presents at her. Many tried to kiss her and shake her hands. Women fainted and children were knocked down in the crush. Miss Jolnson appeared on the balcony and waved h« thanks to the cheering crowd. In an interview, Misa Johnson said: "Sydney gave mo a tremendous welcome, but London's haa beaten it tonight. "It was frightfully bumpy flying today. I hate being a passenger after being a pilot. "I have received innumerable offers of marriage throughout tho world, but they don't intorest me." Friends would have- kept Miss Johnson talking throughout the night, but her parents intervpned mid marched her off to bod.