September 6th
September 6th
Daily Flight Information:
Departed: Mere Point, Maine
Arrived: Boston, Massachusetts
Miles Flown: 100
Flight Time: 2 hrs. 8 mins.
(12:00 p.m. to 2:08 p.m.)
Total Miles Flown: 20,620
Total Flight Time: 286 hrs. 44 min
World Flight Arrives in Boston
Daily Report
by Lt. L. P. Arnold, "Chicago", Mechanic
It was decided to take aboard some gasoline & before getting it & getting underway it was noon. In the meantime, ten DH.4's headed by General Patrick came along and it was a real thrill to see them all. They circled around awhile and then went to Old Orchard where they landed to wait for us.
About 12:00 we took off, passed Old Orchard & picked up the escort, and then proceeded to Boston where we arrived at 2:00. A great crowd was at the airport, and as we circled around every boat & whistle for miles around was saluting us, and guns were fired. Upon landing we went ashore & were greeted by the Governor of Mass., the Mayor of Boston, General Brewster, & many others. The usual photographers were on hand -- and after dispensing with the formalities there we boated to the Army base, boarded cars there, and with heavy police guard went to the State Capital. It was a great ride -- all traffic was stopped for us & we traveled anywhere up to 45 to 50 mph, the streets were lined with cheering people.
The Gov. received us under the historical dome of the Capitol Building, some short speeches were made & we were all given presents. From there we went to the Commons where the Mayor received us, more speeches & more presents. Troops & marines all drawn up, band, cavalry, & big crowd.
From there proceeded to hotel -- again preceded by motor police & escorted by cavalry guard to Copely Plaza where the best in the place was given to us. With people coming and going, phones ringing, messenger boys arriving every minute, and bell boys dashing around -- the place was a madhouse for awhile.
General Patrick entertained us at a small dinner & we all made a short talk over the radio.
Later some of us went to the theater as guests & occupied a box, our entrance causing great commotion, and between the acts the audience demanded a speech -- which was gracefully given by Wade [Lt., pilot of "Boston II"].
The enthusiastic reception accorded to us by the people of Boston was wonderful & appreciated by all.
Maclaren, the British World Flyer, met us here today & we all were very glad to meet him -- especially as he was such a fine chap.
Daily Report
by Lt. L. H. Smith, Commanding
This morning, a strong head wind was blowing and for this reason more gasoline was put into the planes. Unexpected difficulty arose in getting the gasoline and the takeoff was delayed until 12 o'clock. The flight headed directly for Old Orchard, Maine, where Major General Mason M. Patrick, Chief of Air Service, and a large number of planes were waiting as escorts to Boston. Circling until they could get into the air, the flight followed General Patrick down the coast, across Cape Ann, into Boston, landing at 2:08.
In Boston, the flight was met by a large reception committee and the largest throng of people since departing. The personnel of the flight could hardly realize that their trip had created so much interest in the United States.