First Across the Pond,
by
Stan Stokes
During WW I, German U-boats took a
substantial toll on Allied shipping, and during the War military
planners were anxious to explore the possibilities of aircraft being
developed which could thwart this menace. Existing land-based patrol
aircraft had given a fair account of themselves, but because of
their inability to patrol areas far from land, they were of only
limited use. What was needed was a very long range flying boat
capable of venturing far out to sea in search of enemy shipping, and
submarines. The U.S. Navy contacted aviation pioneer Glen Curtiss
who was at that time working on a small sea-worthy flying boat for
the United States Coast Guard. Curtiss produced two alternative
designs of a long-range flying boat for the Navy, and the smaller
three engine design was selected. The Navy commissioned work on four
aircraft to be designated NC 1 through 4. Incorporating the new
Liberty engine, these aircraft were completed at the close of
hostilities. On November 27, 1918 one of these flying boats carried
aloft a record-breaking 51 passengers. However, it appeared that the
War's end would slow or lead to a discontinuance of the Navy's
long-range patrol aircraft plans. Commander John Towers proposed
that the NC's, or Nancy Boats as they were often called, be utilized
in an attempt at the first transatlantic flight. Such a trip would
require a long flight to the Azores, with Navy ships stationed along
the route to provide navigational headings. On May 16, 1919 three of
the Navy's NC aircraft departed Newfoundland on the first leg of
this record breaking trip. The three aircraft were forced to
separate during the long and dangerous flight. NC1, commanded by
Lieutenant Commander Bellinger became lost, and a decision was made
to put the aircraft down. Although NC1 landed successfully the crew
had misjudged sea conditions, which were too severe to attempt a
takeoff. The crew of NC1 was rescued by a Greek freighter, but the
aircraft was lost. The NC3 faced a not too dissimilar fate. Damaged
during a forced landing, the aircraft drifted for two days before
taxing into the harbor at the Azores. The third aircraft, NC4, was
commanded by Albert "Putty" Read, and was piloted by Walter Hinton.
Although only a Lieutenant Junior Grade, Hinton was an experienced
aviator with significant flying boat experience. NC 4 was faster
than its sister ships, and ran into severe weather near the end of
its flight to the Azores requiring it to fly just above the wave
tops. NC4 reached the Azores after fifteen hours aloft, and was met
with great fanfare. The ship successfully journeyed on to Lisbon
Portugal, completing the first successful crossing of the Atlantic
by air. As pictured in Stan Stokes' painting commemorating the 75th
anniversary of this important achievement, NC4 touches down in
Lisbon Harbor late in the day on May 27, 1919 becoming the first
aircraft to cross the pond. NC4 has been restored and is on display
at the US Naval Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
Overall Print Size: 16" x 11 1/2"
|
Collector Sized Lithograph:
$40
|
|
