S8 Ep857: Newfoundland was a treacherous launch site, characterized by ice-packed coastlines, boggy ground, and constant rain. Teams had to ship their aircraft in pieces and assemble them in makeshift aerodromes while waiting for favorable winds. Many contemporarie

Newfoundland was a treacherous launch site, characterized by ice-packed coastlines, boggy ground, and constant rain. Teams had to ship their aircraft in pieces and assemble them in makeshift aerodromes while waiting for favorable winds. Many contemporaries viewed the mission as suicidal. Harry Hawker and Matt Grieve, flying a small Sopwith, grew impatient and launched into a cloud bank in May, disappearing from sight. When they failed to arrive in Ireland after 30 hours, the world presumed them dead, sparking global grief. Shortly after Hawker's departure, Fred Raynham's attempt ended in a "heart-rending" crash during takeoff. This left the field open for Alcock and Brown, who arrived late with their massive Vickers Vimy bomber. This fabric-and-wood machine successfully carried the duo through relentless North Atlantic clouds until they landed in Ireland, simply declaring they were from "America." (3/4)
1923