HOME AGAIN

Evening Star, Issue 20555, 6 August 1930, Page 9

HOME AGAIN

MISS AMY JOHNSON “* ■ ■ TUMULTUOUS WELCOME AT CROYDON Pr«»* Aisociatioa—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, August 3. “ Cannot we drop this Amy Johnson? She is an appalling person, i am sick of the sight of photographs in newspapers and sick of my own name. I find that people are always imagining she is different from what they expected. Cannot wo now call her ‘ Johnny,’ as she was known in the London Aero Club?” Thus spoke Miss Amy Johnson, when facing the* vast multitude who welcomed her at Croydon aerodrome, from which she departed unknown and unheralded three months ago. She was cool and charming, and not the least perturbed by tho tumultuous welcome, which must, in point of numbers and enthusiasm, have excelled any individual welcome to London. Lord Thomson, on behalf of the Government, said that the flight would remain one of tho most memorable achievements of tho year 1930, which had been a young women’s year. Fired by a spirit of adventure, Miss Johnson, bad contributed to the development of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Her lonely progress along tho 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 watched with tense and ever-growing interest. Her indomitable resolution compelled respect, her plucky tenacity won tho way to British hearts, and the people assembled now to pay tribute to her magnificent qualities, which had brought such success. Miss Johnson, in replying, said sho was never so happy as when alone in tho silent places of tho sky. “ Theso are my tastes, and 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 1 love England, how glad I am to bo a member of our wonderful Empire, and how deep my gratitude is to everybody.” Miss Johnson’s voice was clear and distinct. Her speech was broadcast throughout England. TRIUMPHAL JOURNEY TO LONDON CHEERING CROWDS IN STREETS LONDON, August 5. When the air liner crossed the coast it was accompanied by a bewildering array of planes, largo and email, which flew in formation to Croydon, constituting the greatest aerial welcome ever accorded in Britain. Thousands ot people who had assembled on the cliffs saw this armada of the air escorting England’s heroine. When the speeches were finished the crowd rushed towards, the platform and Miss Johnson shook hands with friends. She was then surrounded and virtually rushed off her feet towards a car, which was followed by a procession to the aerodrome, Miss Johnson waving to the crowd. By then darkness had fallen, and the procession continued under the flare of flood lights towards the aerodrome buildings. When she emerged from tho buildings she was escorted by a dozen policemen. She re-entered the car and began a triumphal journey to London. It was midnight before she reached Grosvenor House, after a long drive through streets that were lined six deep with cheering crowds. The car slowed up when passing the Cenotaph, to which Miss Johnson paid tribute. Progress was difficult through Trafalgar square, and the enthusiasm was intensified at Grosvonor House. Sho was mobbed as she stepped out of the car and forced her way up tho steps, assisted by police. Excited girls threw mascots, flowers, and presents at her, and many tried to kiss hei; and shako her hands. Women fainted, and children were knocked down in the crush. Miss Johnson appeared on the balcony and waved thanks to the cheering crowd. When interviewed afterwards she said: “Sydney gave mo a tremendous welcome, but London’s has beaten it to-night. It was frightfully bumpy flying to-day. I hate being a passenger after being pilot. 1 have received innumerable offers of marriage throughout tho world, but they don’t interest me.” Friends would have kept her talking throughout the night, but her parents intervened ! and marched her off to bed.