Daily Mail Trans-Atlantic Air Race, May 4-11, 1969

[Tony Gunby]

In May 1969, 57 Squadron took part in the Daily Mail Trans-Atlantic air race, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Alcock and Brown’s crossing of the Atlantic. The competition was to see who could make it between the top of the Empire State Building and the GPO Tower, a distance of 3,500 miles,  in the shortest elapsed time. Contestants had to use air travel for some part of their course. Prizes were given out for different classes and direction (east-west & west-east).

The Royal Naval Air Squadron 892, supported by 57 and 55 squadron tankers, competed in the shortest elapsed time class with 3 entries. Tankers also supported a RAF 1 Squadron Harrier GR1 in the same class.

Our tankers were staged across the Atlantic from airfields in the USA and RAF Marham. The tankers used the top up system to extend the range of the tankers delivering fuel to the Phantoms and Harrier. We used the high speed drogue on the hose. The Phantoms were refueled 5 times and flew six mach 2 (1,100 mph) supersonic legs in between. The final hop was by Westland Wessex helicopter.

RN Team race to GPO Tower

The VTO Harrier (XV741) was refueled 4 times and landed close by on both ends (disused coal-yard in St Pancreas ), and therefore didn’t need the helicopter. They used a motorbike for the first & last legs.

Lift Off London

The shortest overall time between GPO Tower, London and Empire State, New York was by Squadron Leader Tom Lecky-Thompson flying a Royal Air Force Hawker Siddeley Harrier in 6 hours 11 minutes.

Landing New York

The Vickers Alcock and Brown trophy was awarded to Lieutenant Commander Peter Goddard, a passenger in one of the Phantoms, for his 5 hour 11 minute travel time which was the fastest West to East crossing. I believe 57 squadron delivered fuel to this plane.

Royal Navy Teams (3), 892 Squadron, McDonnell Douglas Phantom

Many of our squadron, myself included,  purchased first-day cover envelopes & stamps. These were postmarked in the Empire State Building and the GPO Tower after being flown in the race on a Victor SR2 from RAF Wyton. The Victor’s flight time was 6hrs & 1 minute.

First Day Cover, flown on 543 Squadron Victor

The Victor’s flight time was 6hrs & 1 minute.

The Phantom’s flight time was 4 hours 20 minutes (West to East). At the time, we were all pretty amazed and I wished I could have been on one of the flights. Many years later, I flew on the Concorde and you received a record of your flight with the flight times. 3 hours 25 minutes West to East and 4 hours 15 minutes East to West. So I guess I got my wish in the end.

[Tony Gunby]

Thanks for the story Roger!  George Worrall was a nav plotter with 57 Sqn who flew on the Air Race.  He gives an aircrew insight into the operation in the 57 Squadron archives page here (at the end of the page)

 

 

[Tony Gunby]

I believe six 57 Sqdn. aircraft took part. I see George Worrall had TACAN problems; I remember several issues including condensation in the aerial connections.

I find it interesting that a Wg. Cdr. Worrall was the captain of the 543 Sqdn. Victor SR2. Is Ft Lt George Worrall related?

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