Today is the 90th anniversary of the arrival of the British airship R34 in America on July 6, 1919, after its historic transatlantic crossing.
R34 arriving at Mineola, New York. July 6, 1919.
At approximately 9:00 AM on July 6, 1919, R34 arrived at Mineola, New York after crossing the Atlantic from Scotland, and Major E.M. Pritchard parachuted from the airship to the ground to supervise landing operations.
R34 had departed East Fortune, Scotland on July 2, 1919, and completed the 3,130 nautical mile journey to America in 108 hours and 12 minutes.
Zachary Lansdowne after arrival of R34. July 6, 1919.
The ship was under the command of Major George Herbert Scott, who was later killed in the crash of the R101 in October, 1930. Also aboard was American naval officer Zachary Lansdowne, who later served as captain of the United States Navy airship Shenandoah.
Just before midnight on July 10, 1919, R34 departed New York for its return to the United Kingdom, arriving in Pulham, England after a flight of 75 hours and 3 minutes. It was the first round-trip crossing of the Atlantic by air.
R-34
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a picture of the R34 that my Dad got from the Navy. He helped to land it. I would like to know if they have a list of the names who helped land it. My dad’s name is Rudolph William Ebert.
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are there any pictures available of major scott as he is my wifes grandfather
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Dan (Airships.net) Reply:
March 12th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
There are many photos of Major Scott in R101: A Pictorial History
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any pictures of the stowaway ? he was my grandfather the first air stowaway what a story.
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…Another beautiful British airship! Such smooth, graceful lines, and a happy story as well. A rare picture of Zachary Lansdowne. Thanks!
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Marvelous! I’m surprised it’s been 90 years already!
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