BRITISH FLYERS DEPART SOUTHAMPTON ON ROUND THE WORLD TRIP
Southampton, England (JFK+50) On March 25, 1924, a British amphibian Vickers Vulture aircraft with a 450 horsepower engine took off from the Calshot Airdrone* on a flight around the world.
The airplane, carrying three aviators including Squadron Leader A. Stuart MacLaren**, departed Southampton "shortly after noon." The first goal is Lyons, France. From there the flight plan includes Greece, Egypt, the Middle East, India, China, Japan, Canada & Spain.
JFK+50 NOTE
The British plane crashed at Akyab & was replaced but the around the world attempt ended when the replacement plane was forced down over the Bering Sea.
From April through July 1924, teams from the United States, Portugal, France, Italy & Argentina attempted around the world flights but only the Americans completed their trip.
*Calshot Airdrone in Southampton, England established in 1913 became a WWI Royal Navy air station for seaplanes and flying boats.
**Archibald Stuart MacLaren received his Aviation Certificate from the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom in 1915 & trained at the British Flying School in Le Crotoy, France.
SOURCE
"Three British Flyers Start Globe Trip," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 25, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
