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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 0348.PDF
FLIGHT, APRIL 12, 1934 LANDING IN FORMATION : No. 201 (F.B.) Squadron displays its smartness in alighting. (FLIGHT Photo.) ampton." This production of the Supermarine firm was then the finest aircraft in the world, and if it had been desired to win world's records for Great Britain, the " Southamp- ton " would probably have established quite a number for lifting weights and carrying them at certain speeds and to certain heights. It was, and of course still is, a remark- ably seaworthy boat for its size. The first " Southamp- tons " were built of wood in the special Supermarine way, which absorbed landing shocks through the resilient nature of the structure. Afterwards metal boats were substituted, which, of course, were rigid, but tlvy scored immensely by not soaking up water and so increasing their weight. In September, 1925, the squadron put their new craft to a useful test by making a three weeks' cruise in the Irish Sea, the success of which was somewhat of a revela- tion. People began to see that " Southamptons " could undertake long cruises, and look after themselves very well between refuelling stations. This was presently demon- strated when what is now No. 205 (F.B.) Squadron made its great tour from Mount Batten to Australia, right round that continent, and back to Singapore, to Borneo, Hong Kong and back again to Singapore, where it is now stationed. From October to March each year the squadron is en- gaged in individual training of its personnel. All the pilots have, of course, been through the course with the Seaplane Training Squadron at Calshot, which was described in our article on Calshot Base, but all squadrons in the R.A.F. put their personnel through some additional individual training during the winter months. In April, May and June the squadron carries on with its normal work, as described below. In July it may be chosen to go on a foreign cruise. Each summer one F.B. squadron goes on such a cruise. In 1933 No. 204 F.B. Squadron went on a cruise in the Baltic, while No. 201 went to Londonderry to be present to receive the Italian squadrons under General (now Marshal) Balbo which were on their way to cross the Atlantic to America. No attempt was made to fly out Ifer. OVER THE BEAULIEU RIVER : Airmen alone can see the number of S loops made by this very tidal river as it makes its way through the New Forest. (FLIGHT Photo.) 348
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