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Aviation History
1925
1925 - 0248.PDF
APRIL 23, 1925 30 knots. We then had petrol for 24 hours. Periodically from tins on we received valuable guidance from Maj. Scott at Pulham. His judgment showed splendid anticipation of the weather conditions. About half-past 1 we heard from Croydon that the authorities at Oslo, Copenhagen, The Hague, Brussels, Berlin, and Paris had been informed by the Foreign Office of our position, and requesting them to assist us if necessary to land. Shortly after we came into communication with Rotterdam, and they continued to give us our bearing for the rest of the trip. " We were also in communication with the Godetia, and from time to time exchanged reports of conditions. At 4.15 we were about 25 miles W.N.W. from Texel. The ship was stationary and the wind was blowing N.W. at about 30 to 35 miles per hour. Pulham then suggested that we should head into the northerly wind until we could take the advantage of heading to westward ; the wind was then falling considerably. A message from The Hague stated that the aerodrome De Kooy, 5 kilometres south of Den Helder, had 300 men ready if we needed them. However, there was no " Throughout the whole of the time the ship behaved splendidly, and, apart from a few anxious moments, no one on board experienced the excitement of those who had to remain behind. We had plenty of food, hot drinks, and tinned fruit, so there was no hardship. It was hard luck on Irwin, our captain, at being left behind, for I know his heart was with his ship, and he would have given his all to be in her." Further information on the " great adventure " is con- tained in the following copy of the log of R.33 during the 30 hours' ordeal :— Thursday, 9.50.—Top of movable arm of mast head sheared and R.33 released from the mast carrying with her the top portion of movable arm. 9.52.—One engine running. 9.54.—Two engines running. Ship under control and kept head to wind at slow speed. 10.2.—Wireless contact established with Pulham (Note. —From this point until the ship hauled in her aerial before landing wireless contact was maintained continuously.) O O o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o In the gondola : Flight- Lieut. Booth and mem- bers of his crew after the return to Pulham. Photo : " Daily Mirror'' Illustra- tions Bureau. o o o o o o o need to land, and a message that a landing party was ready at Pulham was more in keeping with out intentions. At 7.30 Rotterdam told us we could land nt Waalhaven Aero- drome, and gave us the lights. The Godetia was still in touch with us, and we informed them at 8.30 that if the wind moderated we would return to England. We were then 10 miles south of Ymuiden. Soesterberne informed us that we could land there, but they were told of our intentions. Here- abouts the Godetia was joined by two Dutch destroyers. At 9.36 we reported crossing the coast 10 miles south of Ymuiden, and asked for the Godetia to show her searchlights, which she did. Five minutes after midnight we were remaining stationary, and as a precautionary measure made arrange- ments with the Godetia for a tow. We were 1,800 ft. up, and this would have meant dropping 1,500 ft., and, after inquiring about the ground wind, which was 15 knots, and reporting to Pulham, it was not necessary for us to adopt this measure. At 2.45 a.m. we began to make headway. Our progress was slow, but at 3.45 I reported to Pulham that we were making 15 knots for Lowestoft. From this on we continued an average advance of 6 or 7 knots on a course 0 N. 66 W. At 10 o'clock we were making 15 knots, and were 15 miles from Lowestoft at 12 o'clock. After bidding farewell to the Godetia, we crossed the coast at 1.10, and arrived at Pulham at 3 o'clock. . 10.21.—Crossed coast at Lowestoft, still attempting to make westerly course, but being driven eastwards by gale. 11.—Received information from H.M.S. Godetia that she had left Lowestoft (10.47) to keep in touch with R.33. 11.05.—Twenty-five miles E.N.E. from Southwold, speed 20 knots. 11.40.—H.M.S. Godetia informed that R.33 had a crew of 20 on board. 11.47.—Position 22 miles E.N.E. Lowestoft. Speed in- creased to 30 knots, which was considered the maximum- safe air speed with the strained bow. 12.20.—R.33 instructed to make a northerly course if possible. 12.26.—Position 34 miles E.N.E. Lowestoft. 13.22.—In position 54 miles E.N.E. Lowestoft. R.33 reported—wind decreasing slightly. 14.05.—Position 66 miles N.E.E. of Lowestoft. 15.0.—Position 34 miles W.N.W. of Texel. 15.47.—Position 44 miles N.W. of Ymuiden. 16.05.—R.33 advised to head in northerly direction and attempt to make some northing until she could take advantage of it to make towards the westward. Wind at Pulhatn now moderating. 16.08—R.33 in position 25 miles W.N.W. from Texel, Reported she was stationary. Wind 30 to 35 m.p.h. A _ 248
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