AIR MINISTRY’S PRAISE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21188, 8 November 1938, Page 7

AIR MINISTRY’S PRAISE

SIGNIFICANCE OF FLIGHT UNITED STATES WITHIN SPHERE OF WAR Independent Cable Service (Received November 8, 1.25 a.m.) LONDON, November 7. The Air Ministry announcing the success of the Wellesleys flight says: “High praise is due to SquadronLeader Kellett and the personnel for piloting and navigation, to WingCommander Gayford for his organisation and the makers of the aircraft, engines and equipment for their share in the achievement. The world’s record was broken by approximately 300 miles by one aircraft and subsequently increased to 856 miles by two others. “The Daily Express” says: “The people of the United States should be more interested in the Royal Air Force non-stop flight than any other nation. South America is only 2000 miles from Africa. The Americans are now within the sphere of the war terror.” ’ MODEST ATTITUDE OF CREWS “AN EXCELLENT FLIGHT" United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 8, 12.15 a.m.) DARWIN, November 7. The third machine landed at Darwin at 5.10 p.m. (Darwin time). The first two ’planes, with the flying time of approximately 48 hours 5 minutes, broke the Russian pilots record of 6306 miles, by 856 miles. Work in Egypt The Royal Aero Club in Egypt, carried out the preliminary formalities, including official observance of the departure. Application will, in due course, be made to the Federation of Aeronautique Internationale for homolongation. Out of the Clouds The two bombers came out of a bank of clouds to a perfect landing, and taxied to the hangars as casually as the airliners. The crews stepped out and modestly acknowledged the applause and hearty welcome by the Northern Territory Administration. The local and visiting Air Force officers then made a cursory examination of the giant motors. Squadron-Leader Kellett, who is leading the flight, told the interviewers he was not privileged to comment on the flight beyond saying that it was excellent. Both crews showed little trace of the exhausting flight, but were appreciably sun-tanned. RECORD BEATEN BY EIGHT HUNDRED MILES IMPORTANT DEFENCE LESSONS AUSTRALIA’S CONGRATULATIONS United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraoh —Copyrlgb i (Received November 8, 12.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, November 7 The third Vickers-Wellesley ’plane left Koepung at 4 p.m. and are due at Darwin to-night. The whole three bombers broke the world record non-stop flight, two by almost 800 miles in approximately 48 hours flying time, and the third ’plane by 300 miles when it was compelled to descend to refuel. The weather was unfavourable, mostly head winds being encountered from Singapore. Important Defence Lesson The Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) to-night telegraphed the heartiest congratulations of the Commonwealth to the crews of the three bombers and said: “An important defence lesson for

Australia has emerged from this magnificent flight. Australia was brought much closer to the outside world, emphasising the greater danger from aggression.

The Prime Minister added: “This is a notable day for the Royal Air Force and British aviation, and a triumph for British workmanship.”