The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-06-01

As she came into view through the western haze, easily recognizable among the escorting British fliers by her great bulk, England gave her the splendid welcome she deserved
 Leaving Fetrol, Spain, where Lieuten- ant Commander Albert C. Read had elected to spend Friday night, at 6.27 this morning, the NC-4 covered the dis tance of approximately 800 miles to Plymouth in less than seven hours. Despite adverse wind and weather con ditions, the NC-4 covered the last leg without hitch to mar the exploit. Safe and sound. but thoroughly fatigued by the physical ordeal of the trip, as well as the mental strain, Commander Read and his crew are sleeping peacefully to- night.
 The rousing welcome of Plymouth resi- dents to the American airmen and the cordial reception given to them aboard the Rochester by Rear Admiral Plunkett, the mayor of Plymouth, British and American officials and the crews of the other NC planes reached climax with the first actual landing of the victori- ous crew at the spot from which the Pilgrim fathers set forth for America.
 There was wonderful interest in to- days flight, although it was eclipsed by the previous flights of this seaplane, for in the opinions of American naval of ficers and the British public generally the NC-4 reached the peak of her great adventure when she spanned the Atlantic at Lisbon.
 The last stage of the journey was regarded by airmen chiefly as a side show to attest the fast friendship which the war has cemented between this coun- try and the United States,
 The pride felt by Americans in the ex- traordinary feat of the NC-4 finds echo tonight in genuine admiration expressed by British naval men and airmen for the crews skill and pluck and the we'll worked-out plans of the American navy to facilitate and safeguard the flight
 IDEAL FLYING CONDITIONS
 Early in the morning. when word was flashed that the NC-4 had started on the final leg of her journey, a heavy rain was falling. but shortly after noon the skies cleared and ideal conditions prevailed.
 The Nc-4 flew in rain and fog through the Bay of Biscay and fog also was encountered off Brest. compelling the plane to keep at a low altitude.
 Although news of the progress of the craft was passed along by warships sta- toned on the way, it was not until noon that word was received from Com rnander Read himself. His message mere ly reported his position.
 In his first greeting to Commander Read and his men. the mayor of Ply mouth said:
 sIt is with profound gratitude that here today, on behalf of Plymouth, from which the Mayflower sailed 300 years ago, welcome you after your tremend- ous and wonderful flight over the waters separating us. I think can speak with the voice of England in expressing great admiration for your achievements and in welcoming to these shores our American cousins.
 The NC-4 appeared suddenly out of the haze at 2.19 summer time. After circling over the harbor she dropped gracefully toward the Cattewater, alighting near ths buoy prepared for her at 2.22. The great crowd on the harbor front cheered anc craft tied down their whistles in noisy welcome.
 The seaplane when sighted was flying high and leading an escort of three ny ing boats. Her enormous size, dwarfing that of the escorting planes, left no doubt of her identity. While the thousands of spectators yelled themselves hoarse, the flying boats dropped very light and fleet of small boats rushed out to greet the Americans.
 The captains gig from the mine layer Aroostook proceeded to the NC-4, as the la tier lashed up to her buoy, where he quickly made fast. It was a perfect land- ing. As the members of the crew were being taken off by the boat from the Aroostook for their reception, the Brit ish boats swept into Cattewater and drew up alongside the NC-4.
 STRONG WIND BLOWING
 A strong west wind was blowing when the NC-4 came in. The inner harbor was ca I'm, however, and presented fine set ting for the brilliant picture as viewed from the densely crowded slopes of Ply mouths celebrated playgrounds. the HOG. The haze lying over the sound obscurea visibility and it was not until the NC-f was over the harbor that her presence became known.
 It had been expected that the American flyer would arrive at a little before O clock and some anxiety was felt when that hour passed. Once, flying boats kwhich had been scouting out as Tar aS the Eddystone light IA miles away, re- turned to the harbor and false alarm was raised that the NC-4 had arrived The American naval base received ID (Continued from Page Three)