Evening star., 1933-07-25
ARMADA TAKES OFF.
leaves New York When Reports Of Fog
Lifting Are Received.

leaves New York When Reports Of Fog
Lifting Are Received.
~ the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, July 25.-Gen. Italc
Balbo led his 24-plane armada OF the
air on toward Italy today, leaving the
seaplane base of Floyd Bennett Field
for Shediac, New Brunswick, $50 miles
away.
The first plane was in. the air at s;ol
am. Eastern standard time), and the
last at 9:l3.
Because it has been Gen. Balbo's
custom to lead the way into tile air
on every take-off of the long dight from
Italy to Chicago and New York, 1t was
supposed this morning that he was IN
the first plane to rise from the waters
Of Jamaica Bay, and was so reported.
It was later determined, however
that the order of take-off had been
almost completely reversed and that
Gen. Balbo was in the twentieth
plane to leave the water. The other
planes circled over the field until the
general and the planes leaving after
him were In the air and then, with
BaIbo in the lead, flew away
Second Lap of Return.
It was said the reversal Of take-of
order was decided on because OF the
position of the planes in the inlet.
This was the second lap Of the return
aieht to Italy. Balbo's destination IN
the United States on mis- flight from
italy was Chicago, where he and his
oficers visited the Century OF Progress
Txnosition last week Then he few here
on the first lap of the flight home.
He had intended to leave the sea-
plane base of Floyd Bennett Field IN
Jamaica Bay yesterday. but weather
prevented a take-off and it was post
poned unit! today.
Early weather reports this morning
ports told of fog over Maine clearing
the word was given to start.
DR.. James H. Kimball, Government
meteorologist reported to Gen. Balbo
that weather conditions on the route
to New Brunswick had improved. 1t
was raining in Southern Maine, was
cloudy in Northern Maine and partly
cloudy in New Brunswick. DR.. Kimball
said.
The last triad rose from the water
at 9:18 and the amanda, which mao
been circllng over the field until all
planes were in the air, flew away In
| formation toward the Northeast. Tnere
was a 25-mile headwind.
There was a crowd of several thou
sand persons at the seaplane base and
around the field administration building
almost a mile away. A great cry OF
viva Balbo" and viva Italia" rose as
the great armada reared away.
Just before the order for the take-of1
vas given Balbo himself was seen on
the wing of his plane scanning the
horizon, which was slightly misted
with fog. He apparently decided this
was not serious, however, and as soon
as he returned to his position at the
controls the order to fly was given.
The Italians planned to make the
s5o-mile hop to Shediac in about f1ve
hours. They will rest there for a few
DAYS before resuming their fight. Gen
Balbo will decide after he gets there
whether to take the northern or the
southern route across the Atlantic.
General in Fine Fettle.
The general appeared in fine fettle
as he reached the field from his hotel
this morning. He wore dark uni
form and carried a cane.
He ood-naturedly signed q number
| of articles thrust in front OF him py
autograph hunters and then raised hui
arm in a stiff salute. Once on tht
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