IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16464, 17 June 1919, Page 3

IN THE AIR.

SUCCESSFUL AIRMEN. RECEIVE CONGRATULATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, June 15. The King and Queen sent the warmest congratulations to the aviators Aloock and Brown. The latter Is shortly to marry the daughter of Major Kennedy, one of the chiefs of the Aircraft Production Department of the Ministry of Munitions. She is naturally delighted and almost overwhelmed at the result of the flight. The Aero Club describes the airmen’s feat as one of marvellous swiftness of transit, coming as a great surprise. As soon as the machine has been repaired Alcock will continue his journey. He proposes to give an exhibition over London.

Alcock made a great reputation as a night-flyer during the war. The Vickers-Vimy machine used was an ordinary war machine, the only alteration being the substitution of petrol tanks for bombs. Hawker, interviewed, said that Alcock’s feat was magnificent. He was very glad that Alcock was able to make the flight in real fashion, without the aid of ships and all that kind of thing. The army airship R 34 made a most successful trial prior to its Atlantic flight and established wireless communication with the Azores.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. A TERRIBLE JOURNEY. LONDON, June 15. Alcock telegraphed to the Daily Mail; “Journey terrible. It is a wonder wo arrived at all. Scarcely saw the sun or moon. W© plunged into a dense fog. The machine was sheeted in frozen sleet for four hours, but the winds were favourable throughout, and we did not suffer from cold or exhaustion. One-third of our fuel is left. Experience suggests that flying boats are best for the Atlantic.” —United Service.