THE GRAF ZEPPELIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 197, 21 August 1931, Page 7

THE GRAF ZEPPELIN

FLIGHT ROUND BRITAIN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS [British Official Vireless.] Received Aug. 20, 10 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 19. In welcoming Dr. Eckner and the officers and crew of the Graf Zeppelin on arrival last night, the Undersecretary of Air, Mr M.-ntague, warmly congratulated them on the progress of the Graf Zeppelin, and expressed his appreciation of the assistance which had already been given by Dr. Eckner and the willing help offered for the future in the cause of British airs.iip development. On behalf of his English friends and admirers, Dr. Eckner was presented with, an inscribed gold box. Dr. Eckner, in replying, expressed his opinion that a complete system of international co-operation was essential to airship development. The Graf Zeppelin completed her twenty-four-hour tour of Britain when she landed at Hanworth at 7 o’clock and disembarked her passengers. Previously there had been some doubt as to the possibility of landing under the existing gusty conditions. The Zeppelin had circled over London for nearly an hour, but the operation was carried out without a hitch. She remained for about half an hour. Dr. Eckner received Sir John Simon on board and showed him the equipment, control and cabins. Shortly before eight o’clock the great airship ose from the ground, and, heading for Central London, started her homeward journey to Friedrichshaven. The trip round Britain, of o’ e thousand miles, was confined to England and Ireland, as thn adverse weather reports prevented Dr. Eckner from visiting Glasgow and Edinburgh, as he had intended. In passing over Hull at noon Dr. Erkner dipped the Zeppelin in salu'd to the memory of the men of t v e airship R3B. which blew up over the river Humber. On landing the Master of Senipill and other passengers stated that they had a very good time, despite bad weather, and it had been a feat flight.