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Aviation History
1933
1933 - 0346.PDF
FLIGHT. AUGUST 17, 1933 imagined, even though they may have hoped, that 23 would arrive safely back to Italy in 43 days' time, having flown over 12,000 miles and crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice. It is a magnificent performance and one of which General Balbo, the officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the whole flight may well be proud. To plan a formation flight of over 12,000 miles with a double crossing of a wide ex panse of ocean was ambitious in itself, but to have carried through this project with such success bespeaks not only the complete confidence which General Balbo and others in authority had in their machines and personnel, but also a perseverance and skill which has not often, if ever, been equalled in the past. It is, of course, to be regretted that the flight was marred by two fatal accidents, but even so the Italians are to be congratulated that the number was not greater. After all, it was a writer from Rome of ancient days who said that no success worthy of the name can be achieved without suffering. Rome has seen many triumphs, some in the name of individual glorification, others in the name of conquests, some even in the name of hate and conceit, but rarely can Rome have boasted such a triumph, not only of individuals over the elements of Nature, but of the skill and brains of de signers and of organisation which counted the merest de tail of great import. The Italian nation has every right and cause to be proud of their Air Force in general, of General Ba-ltoo and the personnel of the flight in particular and of the brains which designed the machines and engines. The following message was sent by Lord Londonderry, the British Air Minister, to Air-Marshal Balbo: "I am glad to learn the news of the return of your Trans-Atlantic squadron to Ostia. A double flight across the Atlantic by so large a formation is a feat of which the Regia Aero- nautica may well be proud, and on behalf of the Royal Air Force I send them most cordial congratulations." M. Pierre Cot, the French Air Minister, also sent a message to Air-Marshal Balbo: "At the end of your magnificent exploit I hasten to send you the salutations and con gratulations of the French Air Force, which has followed with admiration the triumphant progress of your courageous squadron. I regret that circumstances have , not allowed me to express by the spoken word the feelings of esteem and comradeship which unite our aviation with its Latin sister. My very cordial greetings." Log of the Flight. July Aug 1 2 5 12 13 14 15 19 25 2fi 8 9 12 Orbetello-Amsterdam Amsterdam-Londonderry Londonderry-Reykjavik Reykjavik-Cartwright (Labrador) ... Cartwright-Shediac (New Shediac-Montreal Montreal-Chicago Chicago-New York ... New York-Shediac Shediac-Shoal Harbour land) Shoal Harbour-Azores Azores-Lisbon ... Lisbon-Ostia Brunswick) (Newfound- Milts 875 625 940 1,500 750 500 875 1,000 650 500 1,200 780 1.850 12,045 General Balbo in his first report to Mussolini emphasised the valuable assistance that wireless had given, especially during the most difficult sections of the flight over the Atlantic. Six deep-sea trawlers fitted with wireless by the Marconi organisations in Italy and England were stationed at various places to give wireless direction find ing services as required. Marchese Marconi and his col leagues placed the world-wide organisation of the Marconi Company at the disposal of the Italian flight. The follow ing telegram was received from General Balbo by the Marconi Company: " I thank you together with all your worthy co-operators for your kind greetings which the Atlantic squadron reciprocate, remembering services rendered by the Marconi Company to the Italian Air Force." Most of the apparatus was specially manufactured at the Marconi works in Genoa, while the direction-finding equipment was supplied from the Company's works in England. Young Fascist Airmen THE Italian Government has recently instituted a system of pre-military flying training especially for mem bers of the Young Fascist Association who may wish to enter the Royal Air Force when called up under the annual levy. These flying courses will be held at 26 cities. At the end of the course, such young men who have qualified will be given " wings," and when called up for service will become sub-lieutenants or sergeant pilot: in the Air Force. A BLACKBURN TRAINING MACHINE : This type is equipped with camera gun, hood for blind-flying, etc., and is fitted with the " Hermes IV " inverted engine. FLIGHT Photo.) 820
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