The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-05-19
By Associated Press

0I. JOnuS, N. F., Mdy b. Harry G. Hawker, Australian aviator, and Commander Mac Kenzie Grieve, his navigator, are winging their way across the Atlantic tonight on the most perilous airplane flight ia history.
 They took the air at 5:55 ?. m. today. Greenwich time d:55 ?. m. New York time), and expect to reach the Irish coast in 24 hours unless some accident forces them to plunge into the sea.
 When the Sopwith biplane passed from view beyond the hills to the noth- east, headed for the open sea, 1t left behind with shattered hopes Hawker's English rivei, Frederick F. Raynham. who had hoped to he first across in a Martinsyde plane and win glory and the $50,OOO prize of the London Daily Mall.
 Rynham was tuning up the engine of his machine when Hawker flashed over. the Englishman's airdome, dropping as he went the undercarriage of his Sop with to tighten the load he must carry. Raynham and his navigator, Charles w F. Morgan, realized then that the Australian was on his way. Instantly they determined to follow him, for all their preparations had been made weeks ago, but misfortune intervened.
 BOTH ARE INJURED
 As the Martinsyde "taxied" along the uneven surface of the runway prepara- tory to the take-off, rear axel broke under its heavy load and the machine ploughed into the ground Pilot and navigator were tammed in the wreck age, but apparently neither was seri- ously hurt.
 While Raynham's injuries were be- ing treated, Hawker was we'll on his way. Sunday sightseers, listlessly watching what they supposed was to be a trial flight of the Sopwith, were amazed when they saw the undercar- riage drop like plummet near the Martinsyde airdrome. They knew it meant Hawker had determined to tarry no longer for 1t left him without land ing equipment, but frightened his craft for his hazardous voyage.
 If the daring aviator wins his gam ble with death it will bring him first honors in the nonstop transatlantic race, undying fame and rich prize. He decided to risk everything upon hear ing of the arrival of the United States navys seaplane NC-4 at Horta and re- iterated in his statement that he would beat the Yankees across" although the venture of the navy aircraft has no bearing on the Daily Mail contest. nor did they attempt nonstop flight.
 FLYING FOR IRELAND
 The 20-hour jorney planned by flaw ker would land him on the Irish coast at about 1855 p. m. Greenwich time, to- morrow (9:55 a. m. New York time). He is flying starlight for Ireland. wing ing his way regardless of shipping lanes. M
 Hawker got away in lurching 300- yard run, pumping hazardously over the uneven field. The little plane ca- reened and rocked recklessly until hummock lifted it and it's wings took the air for a low, swinging start. Hawker was at the control.
 The Sopwith begain to speed up as soon as it floated into the air and Hawker headed straight into the north east. When he dropped his undercar- riage he and Grieve waved quick farewell
 Flying straight, without swerving hair from the chosen course, the little plane faded rapidly from view. In five minutes it had dwindled to speck in the sky and in six minutes it was out of sight beyond the hills.
 Hawker's start was made in the face of weather conditions which he charac- terized as mot yet favorable, but possi- ble.'' He and his navigator gravely con- sidered the hazards of the attempt and decided to stake everything on an effort to beat the Americans" Overnight re- ports to the meterologists had showed in- creased atmospheric pressures. smoother seas and fair barometer conditions. All though winds and pressures were not all they hoped for, Hawker and Grieve or dered their hand satchels packed and made ready for the start.
 LONG SLEEP COMING
 Hawker considered weight as of utmost importance. Lifting Mackenzie .Grieves bag, he found it heavy and inquired so- licitously if he couldn't dispense with "pajamas on the trip" When asked if he thought he would have chance to sleep during the voyage, Hawker re- piled:
 wen have long sleep coming at the end of it."
 It was o'clock in the afternoon, Greenwich time when Hawker ordered his Sopwith plane out of it's hangar for ground and wind vest. Over in the Quidividi field at the other end of the city Raynham had found cross winds sweeping over his Martinsyde "take-off' grounds.
 Hawker tried out the Sopwith for a minute or two and called conditions for start good enough. Grieve agreed.
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