Race Across the Atlantic: Alcock and Brown's Record-Breaking Non-Stop Flight

On July 15, 1919, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten-Brown became the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic, winning a race that began in 1913. The flight lasted 16 hours and 28 minutes, with many aircraft entering but few getting off the ground. The teams faced great difficulties in preparing for the challenge, including waiting for the perfect weather-window. Despite almost ending in disaster on several occasions, Alcock and Brown's flight was a success.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

On Tuesday, July 15, 1919, the residents of Clifden on Ireland's west coast were in for a day that would not be like any other. Just before 08:40 a.m., a large, twin-engine aeroplane descended out of the gloom, lining up for its final approach. One or two onlookers immediately recognized the danger, as this was an area of soft bog, but their attempts to alert the pilot were futile.

The aircraft began to sink, and with a squelch, came to a sudden stop, the tail rearing up in the air. Dazed and with fuel filling the cockpit, the two-man crew scrambled out, grabbing what they could. After a flight lasting 16 hours and 28 minutes, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten-Brown had won the race to be the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic.

It was a rough ending for a race that began in April 1913, when Lord Rothermere, an aviation philanthropist and owner of the Daily Mail, offered a prize of £10,000 (roughly equivalent to $1,000,000 in today's money) to the aviator who would first cross the Atlantic in an aeroplane in flight from any point in the United States of America, Canada, or Newfoundland to any point in Great Britain or Ireland in 72 continuous hours. Illustrated with many unique photographs, this book tells the story of the race, which was delayed for almost six years due to the First World War.

Many aircraft would be entered, but few would even get off the ground. The teams faced great difficulties in preparing for the challenge of crossing one of the most hostile stretches of ocean on Earth. The authors not only reveal tales of failures and technical difficulties, but also of the intense frustration of waiting for the perfect weather window. And even when finally airborne, Alcock and Brown's flight almost ended in disaster on several occasions as weather conditions almost conspired to thwart their efforts.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Alcock and Brown's determination and skill prevailed, and they became heroes of the aviation world. Their non-stop flight across the Atlantic marked a significant milestone in the history of aviation and opened up new possibilities for travel and exploration. The race also had a lasting impact on the lives of the two men, who became lifelong friends and colleagues.

In conclusion, the story of Alcock and Brown's non-stop flight across the Atlantic is a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination. It is a story that has captured the imagination of people around the world and has inspired generations of aviators and adventurers. Despite the risks and challenges they faced, Alcock and Brown never gave up, and their success paved the way for the future of aviation.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 167 x 244 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526747839