Catch a Clipper

In 1961 you either had to have a vaccination certificate or quarantine for fourteen days if you arrived in the US from the UK. But you know that, because you read it here in 2017. It looks like next year that’s what will happen again; that’s if an effective vaccine is found. It’s a funny old world.

No vaccination certificate and, probably, no passport necessary on this transatlantic journey. A brief digression, my brother-in-law flew to the US without a visa when they were mandatory. There was a small fine and he was allowed to continue his journey. He was on a private aeroplane.

17th June 1942

Decide early that by 10.30 am final decision was to be given as to whether we started for America at 12.15 am. Bad rush to get some thin clothing finished. Attended COS (Chiefs of Staff meeting) where we received verdict that we were off! Went back to WO (War Office) and flat to pick up kit and Barney (ADC) met me at Euston station with 2 half finished thin suits (from Huntsman)! Travelled up to Stranraer in PM’s special (train) – very comfortable. Had meals alone at table with him and thus able to settle many points in anticipation of talk with Roosevelt. Arrived Stranraer about 10.30 pm, where news was telephoned through to PM. Then went by motor boat to the Boeing Clipper. Huge flying boat beautifully fitted up with bunks to sleep in, dining saloon, stewards, lavatories, etc.

Party consists of PM, his doctor, ADC, secretary, clerk, butler, detective, Pug Ismay, myself and my staff officer, Stewart. At 11.30 pm we took off. Just saw a bit of the Irish coast and then at 5,000 ft found the machine above the clouds. At 12.30 wonderful red sky from sun just below the horizon. Slept very comfortably, after paying visit to pilot in his driving compartment on top bridge.

18th June 1942

Had long morning in bed as the clock was going back and breakfast was not available till 11 am (about 8 am real time). Still flying over blankets of cloud till about 12.30 when we found the sea again and shortly afterwards flew over a large convoy of some 35 ships. PM in tremendous form and enjoying himself like a schoolboy! As we waited to embark he was singing a little song to himself ‘We’re here because we’re here’. As I write we are over the Atlantic and within about an hour’s flying of Newfoundland.

Later – Now over Newfoundland which we reached after 14 1/2 hours flying. Beautiful clear sky and able to get a wonderful view of the country. We flew direct to Gander, the new airport, and after circling over the airport to have a good look at it flew on on more southerly course.

Later – Hit off Cape Breton Island, and on to Nova Scotia. Unfortunately cloudy and unable to see ground. Flying about 5,000 ft up, but came over Newfoundland at 1,500 ft so as to see country well.

Later – After leaving Cape Breton Island we ran into heavy fog and bumpy conditions till we reached Cape Cod. By then we found that adverse weather had delayed us and that we should have no time to divert to look at New York. We therefore flew straight on to Washington and landed on the Potomac after being 26 1/2 hours continuously in the air. Met by Halifax (British ambassador), Lee (British army staff), Dill etc. Dill very kindly putting me up. Halifax asked me to dine so had to rush to Dill’s house, bathe and change and go on to the embassy where PM is stopping. Have only just returned at 1.45 am, which is equivalent of 7.45 am by English time to which I have been working during rest of day!! (War Diaries, Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke)

Only twelve Boeing Clippers were made, but that was the way to travel. For ages commercial flights to and from New York had to stop at Shannon to refuel but the mighty Clipper was able to saunter down the eastern seaboard like a tourist bus along Piccadilly. Imagine popping down to the Thames at Hammersmith and boarding one for a flight, where: Pesaro on the Adriatic, Wexford, Copenhagen, Lake Como, Venice? A smaller flying boat could do that and if the late, great Jim Sherwood (who revived the Orient Express) was alive I’d make a pitch to him. A  modern flying boat might have wheels in case of rough seas but it could have the same elegance and convenience.

When I lived for a short time in New York in 1983 I saw seaplanes taking off to ferry punters to the casinos in Atlantic City. In the UK the only option is Loch Lomond Seaplanes, operating from Glasgow. Not a bad place to start a holiday visiting the islands and distilleries but don’t expect to have a butler on board, unless you bring your own.