Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-07-31
ORKNEY ISLANDERS MASS TO
SEE ARRIVAL AMERICAN FLIERS
HOP OFF FOR ICELAND TODAY

Kirkwan. Scotland. July S0.-(By
A. P.l-Lieutenant Lowell H Smith.
with his band OF United States army
aviators. arrived here this afternoon
from Brough. England. on the start
of the last leg OF their round-the-
world fight.
The jump of al Brough took place
at 1924 O'Clock this morning and
after an easy flight under good
weather conditions nearly all the
way. the planes dropped down
gracefully upon the waters Of Hou-
ton Bay about o'clock this after
, noon and "taNied" to their moorings
in the presence OF large proportion
Of the population OF the Orkney Is
, lands and the officers and crew of
the United States cruiser Richmond,
anchored nearby.
The journey OF about go miles
from Brough was made in about five
and half hours. shortly after pass
ing Edinburgh INC airmcn cncoun-
tered heavE fog. which forced
them NJ to en- altitude Of 1900 feet.
They lost the log. however. after an
hours run ana the last 100 miles
of the flight was made in an hour
with tn" wind behind them.
The airmen We're in excellent con-
ditlon after today'S journey. They
looked much better than when they
arrived in London a fortnight ago.
Tho 2Niafors remained on their
planes until the oil and gas was
changed ana the machines cleaned.
Then they We're taken on board the
Richmond. where they met the rro-
vost of kirkwall and others who
rank as diCnitarics in these islands.
invitations 10 he vincd and dincd
by the towns officials had TO bc re-
fused by the airmcu on account of
lack of time. Instead OF going
ashore they ate from the ships lar
der belated lunch Then they re-
tired TO the hospital rooms on the
Richmond. which have been assign
ed for their use while they remain
here.
The plans Of the aviators arc stiu
indefinite, but they will probably
Jump off from here tomorrow morn
ing for Iceland The Richmond
viii depart at the same time the
aviators make their jump and again
VIII meet them in Iceland. The
cruiser Raleigh is awaiting their ar
rival at Hornafiord and will take
care OF the airmen until the Rich
mond arrives
The planes appeared through
the clouds which overhunr RI
mainland highlands shortly before 4
o'clock thi saftcrnoon. Rapidly an
pfoaching the bay in squadron for
nation they circlcd about a few
nRlutes, then took to the water In
me little bay which in war time was
the base for Great Britain's naval
air fleet. O.
me townspcople and farmers
from the many islands which make
up me Orkney group had gathered
lor The occasion and checred mo
iurmen as they dropped anchors ana
made their machines fast 10 fhe
buoNs Tor the night. Crowds focl,-
td on board small craft and snent
some time moving about the three
planes. Then the island folk Grad
uaIIy returned 10 the shore ana
Wehded their way homcward win
PIenty OF photographs OF "America's
mag 'iiins' but with their aIItoeranb
|, books unsigned.
me airmen will he permitted ia
rest undisturhed tonight. being safel
y guarded in their rooms by blue
jackets who are under instructions
TO prevent the invasion of wen wish
crS ana souvenir hunters. Tho us-
"a quletness Of the bay prevails TO-
,hlSnt' with the exception of smaJJ
,oatS taking officers back and forth
rom, rom ne shore 70 the Richmond
, Mnicn lies at anchor guarding tbn