Monday 12th April 2018 - 90th Anniversary Ceremony.
On the 12th of April 1928 a Junkers W.33 aircraft named the "Bremen" departed Baldonnel Aerodrome bound for North America. On board was the Officer Commanding the Air Corps Colonel James Fitzmaurice and two German crew members, Captain Kohl and Baron Von Huenefeld. Some 36 hours later they landed on Greenly Island on the Eastern shores of Canada.
This was a truly remarkable achievement given the prevailing winds, the treacherous weather conditions and the multiple previously failed attempts. Colonel Fitzmaurice and the crew of the Bremen were hailed as aviation pioneers and their achievement still stands as one of the greatest chapters in aviation history.
Today in Casement Airbase a ceremony was held at the very spot from which the Bremen aircraft departed on its epic voyage. The ceremony included music from the Defence Forces Bands, a tribute from the Artillery Corps and a flypast by the Air Corps. A selection of photographs and video footage relating to the event was on display in the Air Corps' Museum after the ceremony.
Photographs from the event are available through the Defence Forces Flickr Page
Press Release Date: Monday 12th April 2018
For Further Information contact:
Press Officer: Comdt. Pat O'Connor
Tel: 045 49 2502 , 045 49 2503
Mobile : 087 2482130
E-mail: Press Officer
