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Aviation History
1927
1927 - 0346.PDF
When the green " Moth " taxied in the Duchess of Bedford did not seemed to be relieved that her long flight over Europe to Morocco and back was ended. She declared her enjoyment of their spectacular ascent when Capt, Barnard asked her. Although in her sixty-second year, the 55 hours spent in the air during the three weeks' tour had not fatigued her in the least. Questioned on the published reports that the object of the flight was for the purpose of bird study. Her Ladyship was very anxious that it should be denied. It was not even an incidental intention of the tour, and she did not know how the rumour possibly originated. It was practically impossible to make such a study under their conditions. They flew too high, for one reason, and then in a small machine like the " Moth " there was no petrol to spare to delay for any time on the way. as their course led to long stages over THE DUCHESS OF BEDFORD'S TOUR : This sketch map traces the route followed by the " Moth" on the tour to Morocco through France and Spain, and the return on a roughly parallel course. The mileage flown was 4,500, equalling 54 hrs. 45 mins. country where landings were not possible. On two occasions, incidentally, some eagles and vultures had been sighted far below and Capt. Barnard had dived down and followed the eagles a short distance. It was for the scenery alone that the long tour-was undertaken, and this was found to be very- splendid indeed. The experience was thoroughly enjoyed and the machine excited her admiration because it was so small and yet so comfortable. The tour began on April 21 from Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire, to which Capt. Barnard flew in 40 mins. Croydon was the first stage, accomplished in 30 mins., then Lympne 50 mins., and Paris in 2 hrs., which ended the day's flying. During this stage the weather was beautiful. It "was intended to reach Biarritz the following day but a heavy mist compelled them to return to Bordeaux, and during this stage from Paris they reached Tours in 2 hrs. 15 mins., and Bordeaux in 2 hrs. 50 mins. Leaving here, they made their return again after 55 mins. flight. On April 23, Biarritz was reached in 1 hr. 30 mins Mr. Leslie Hamilton was here with his Vickers' Viking. From here they left the next day and passed eastward over the Pyrenees above magnificent scenery, reaching San Sebastian in 1 hr. 15 mins. on the 24th, and arriving at Burgos in 2 hrs. 30 mins. on the 25th. Before starting the next stage to Madrid on the 26th, Capt. Barnard was rather dubious MAY 19, 1927 about crossing the two high ranges, the Pyrenees and the Guadaramas as the " Moth " was loaded with three suit- cases, four spare tins of petrol, oil, spares, etc., whilst the weather was very hot. However, they managed to reach 9,000 ft, with ease The visibility was exceptional and mountains could be seen 50 miles distant. It was just before reaching Burgos that the eagles were seen but far from showing hostility (they do appear to dislike some pilots) they had much difficulty in keeping near to them. A large flock was sighted perched on a peak. They kept " putting them up " for some time, said Capt. Barnard, but they ultimately flew out of reach. From Madrid to Seville, on April 27, it was necessary to land twice for petrol, first at Daimiel and then at Cordova, and the flight took 5 hrs., done in three stages. The first to Daimiel took 1 hr. 40 mins., Cordova 2 hrs., and Seville 1 hr. 20 mins. There is an emergency landing ground at the former place, and also a plague of black flies, but at Cor- dova, which is a beautiful little town, a landing was effected in a field. At Seville the " Moth " landed just before Mr. Hatchett returned from Morocco. He has been flying on the Seville-Larache route for some years. He very kindly made and fitted for them a spare petrol tank holding 6J gallons, for the homeward route was to include several long flights beyond the normal range of the machine. During an aerial fete Capt. Barnard demonstrated the " Moth " before King Alfonso and the Prince of Wales. They were invited to spend a day or two at Jerez with the British Consul there, Mr. Guy Williams. The flight there was completed in 1 hr., and it covered a very flat area where herds of young bulls were seen, and also many vultures. The polo ground at Jerez was chosen to land on. The " feria " was in full swing, and there were two big bull fights. Mr. Williams made the visit a most enjoyable one for the two days. From this place a detour was made to Tangiersto see Arcos de la Fron- tera, a beautiful town situated very high on the hill side. It took 1 hr. 15 mins. to reach Tangiers, and during the crossing of the Straits of Gibraltar fine weather prevailed, and the snow-capped Atlas mountains could be seen dis- tinctly in the distance. The Cecil Hotel is recommended by the travellers. The manager, Mr. O'Brien, kindly motored 15 miles to the aerodrome to take them to the hotel. The next stage, on May 2, from Tangiers to Malaga, took 1 hr. 35 mins., and the mountainous journey to Granada on the next day another 1 hr. 15 mins. This town is famed for the old Moorish stronghold—the Alhambra—and Spain should not be visited without including this wonderful place in the Sierra Nevada mountains in one's itinerary, the sight from the air being truly magnificent. On the same day, May 3, the flight was continued to Seville to get the new small tank, occupying 2 hrs. 25 mins. A return to Granada was made on the 5th, occupying 1 hr. 45 mins. Here a delay was caused for the day due to clouds falling below the mountain summits, but on the 6th, Alicante was reached in 3 hrs ; Valencia in 1 hr. 15 mins. ; and Barcelona in 3 hrs. 5 mins. The long stretch to Alicante was most interesting. The Latecoere Air Line has a small landing ground there. The trip on to Barcelona was rather hazardous as there was no landing ground or even a good field, and as it was impossible to make the journey non-stop it was decided to essay a landing in the region of Valencia, which was accomplished at the North beach, which Capt. Barnard thinks would be an awkward spot to land in except with a " Moth " and the help of a strong wind blowing in the right direction. Owing to a gale blowing from the north, Barcelona was not actually reached until dark, and then the landing was made at tin- Spanish Naval Aerodrome where the authorities were very- kind and attentive to the travellers, and a most interesting two days were spent, which included an expedition to Mont- serrat. The road from the aerodrome at Llobregat to Bar- celona was quite the worst encountered, pot-holes being feet deep for 10 miles. The rest of the long tour through Spain and France was without much incident. Landings were made at Montpelier, Lyons, Dijon, Paris, Lympne, Croydon, Stag Lane and Woburn. Montpelier was reached after 3 hrs. 5 mins. flight from Barcelona, Lyons took another 3 hrs. 5 mins., both on May 9. On May 10 it took 2 hrs. to reach Dijon, and another 3 hrs. to Paris ; Lympne, 2 hrs. 30 mins. : Croydon, 50 mins. ; Stag Lane, 15 mins. ; and Woburn, 50 mins., completed the interesting tour on May 12. The total number of hours flown was 54 hrs. 45 mins., and during the three weeks' tour no engine trouble was experienced at all. 4,500 miles were covered. The plugs and filter were removed at Barcelona for inspection, and that was the only occasion. The longest flight in one day was between Granadr and Barcelona, and it equalled seven hours' flying time, 314
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