Hello, and welcome back to Newfoundpod, a bite-sized podcast about Newfoundland. I’m your host, Debbie Wiseman, and today I’m going to talk to you about the first non-stop transatlantic flight, which originated here in Newfoundland 100 years ago. I’ll also tell you about the plans to celebrate the anniversary here locally.
New York Times June 16, 1919.
Vickers Vimy being assembled at St. John’s, Newfoundland, 1919.
“At 1:45 p.m. we were airborne.”
(Photo courtesy of Cynthia Long)
Alcock and Brown taking on mail on Vickers Vimy, June 13, 1919
Spectators and Vickers Vimy at Lester’s Field, June 1919
Alcock and Brown’s historic 1919 flight ended ingloriously, as the Vimy ploughed into an Irish bog—its front landing gear had been removed before the flight. The first people to greet the aviators thought they were joking when they claimed they had just flown across the Atlantic.
Sources
The Aviation History Online Museum (Site inactive)
Wikipedia
Century of Flight
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One Hundredth Anniversary
CBC: The 1st successful transatlantic flight, 100 years ago, set to be celebrated in St. John’s
Aviation History Newfoundland Labrador
Alcock and Brown 100 (Ireland)
