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Aviation History
1926
1926 - 0116.PDF
FEBRUARY 25, 1926 THE LONDON-CAPE TOWN SURVEY FLIGHT Alan Cobham Completes His Task MR. ALAN J. COBHAM, who, with Mr. A. B. Elliott as engineer and Mr. B. W. G. Emmott as cinematographer, set out from Croydon on November 16 in a D.H.50.J (Siddeley " Jaguar"), with the object of carrying out an aerial survey of the route from London to Cape Town, brought his mission "to a successful conclusion last week. Thus, for the second time, has the journey from London, across Africa from north to south, to the Cape been accomplished by air—the first occasion being when Wing-Commander Sir "H. A. Van Ryneveld and Squadron-Leader Sir C. J. O. Brand made the trip in 1920. Mr. Cobham reached Cape Town on the evening of February 17, having left Bloemfontein that morning and halting at Beaufort West en route. Needless to say, his reception was a remarkable one, there being thousands of spectators present, whilst Parliament had suspended its sitting that afternoon in order that members might welcome the three aviators. The following day they were entertained at luncheon by the Civic Authorities, at which there was a distinguished gathering. The Government was represented by Dr. Malan (Minister of the Interior), and Mr. Boydell (Minister of Defence) proposed the toast of the airmen. Mr. Cobham, in responding, said that THE LONDON-CAPE TOWN SURVEY FLIGHT :Mr. Alan J. Cobham (left), Mr. B. W. G. Emmott, the cinematographer (centre), and Mr. A. B. Elliott, the engineer (right)—and the D.H.50.J Siddeley " Jaguar " combination—who arrived safely in Cape Town on February 17 the actual flying was the most restful part of the trip. Hethought that the greatest opening for civil aviation in South Africa was the development of the light aeroplane in the handr,of the private owner. In South Africa they had vast distances and tremendous isolation—disastrous as far as farmers wereconcerned—and salvation in this matter lay in the light aeroplane. It is stated that after thorough overhauls have been effected, Mr. Cobham intends to start on his return flight this week, and he hopes to make the complete journey in record time. While the outward journey has occupied a total time of four months, it must be remembered that no attempt was made at covering the 8,020 miles (this is the scheduled distance, actually it is mere) in record time, for the sole object of the flight was to survey, as thoroughly as possible, the London- Cape Town route, and to consult or advise various interested parties en route on the subject of commercial air services. In fact, in this respect we are given to understand that Mr. Cobham has accomplished a considerable amount of spade work, both as regards an Imperial air route and the establishment of local air lines along the route. Again, it should be noted that his total flying time for the flight works out at about 90 hours or 3| days, as against the 17 days taken in the case of the fastest sea routes. However, in every respect this'flight is without doubt a magnificent accomplishment, both as regards man and equipment. Cobham's prowess and efficiency in exploits of this character need no comment, whilst the behaviour of the D.H.50J. machine (the actual machine, by the way, but modified, on which he flew with Sir Sef ton Brancker to Rangoon and back) and its Siddeley " Jaguar " engine (plus " K.L.G." plugs) have yet again demonstrated the high quality of British aircraft. Mr. Cobham has expressed nothing but praise for engine and machine throughout the whole trip, and has referred specially to the effectiveness of the " Titanine " dope, which has withstood the varying and trying conditions. He also gives praise for the all-important matter of fuel supplies, for not only did he find ample supplies of " B.P." spirit and Wakefield " Castrol R." all along the route, but both these necessities gave entire satisfaction. Perhaps it may be as well if we give on this occasion a simple log of the flight from start to finish. This, including the distance completed at each stage, is as follows :— 1925. Nov. 16. Stag Lane, Croydon-Le Bourget ( 240 miles). 17. Le Bourget-Marignane 18. Marignane-Pisa ,, 19. Pisa-Taranto ,, 20. Taranto-Athens Dec. 6. Athens-Sollum 7. Sollum-Cairo ,, 16. Cairo-Luxor 18. Luxor—Assuan . . „ 20. Assuan-Wadi Haifa . . ,, 21. Wadi Haifa-At bara .. .. (3,605 ,, ). ,, 22. At bara-Khartoum .. .. (3,755 ,. ). 28. Khartoum-Malakal .. .. (4,185 ., V 640 ( 925 (1,400 (1,765 (2,215 (2,605 (2.825 (3,085 (3,275 (3,60 (3,75 (4,18 )• )• )• )• LONDON-CAPE TOWN IMPERIAL AIRWAYSURVEY FLIGHT Sketch Map of the London-Cape Town Flight. 108
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