An Post Stamp Marks Famous Transatlantic Flight

1 January 0001

The aviators took off from Lester’s Field, near St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada on June 14, 1919, in a modified Vickers Vimy plane, powered by two Rolls-Royce Eagle 360 hp engines.
 
Just over 16 hours later on June 15, 1919, after flying approximately 1,890 nautical miles through challenging conditions, they landed at Clifden, County Galway, Ireland. Their pioneering flight won the ‘Daily Mail’ prize of £10,000 for the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in less than 72 hours.
 
Winston Churchill, Britain’s then Secretary of State for Air presented them with the ‘Daily Mail’ prize.  A few days later, both men were knighted by King George V in recognition of their achievement.
 
Before taking off, Captain Alcock accepted a small bag of mail from the Postmaster in Newfoundland.  He ensured the mail landed safely in Clifden and then hand delivered the mail sack on reaching London, making the historic flight was also the first transatlantic airmail flight.
 
Speaking in the Clifden Station House Museum at the unveiling of the stamp, close to the landing point of the flight, Aileen Mooney, An Post said:
 
“An Post is delighted to produce this stamp marking an exciting time in Irish and aviation history.  It is wonderful that the Alcock and Brown centenary is receiving national interest.  An Post’s centenary stamp will ensure a global audience for this world changing event in flying achievement, which opened up a new world for generations to come.”
 
Terry O’Toole, Chairman of Alcock & Brown 100 added: “An Post has made a fitting tribute to this major Irish and world centenary. Launching the stamp in the home of Alcock and Brown is a perfect fit.”
 
The stamp and first day cover are illustrated by Co. Clare based artist, Vincent Killowry making this stamp and its topic very much a West of Ireland story with national and international significance.  The stamp is designed by Dublin design agency, Design HQ. 
 
The painting on which the stamp is based depicts the Vimy, having emerged from a spiral dive through very turbulent clouds, back under control just above the Atlantic swell.  The stamp is ‘W’ or international rate and is valid as worldwide postage. 
 
The Centenary of the First Transatlantic stamp is available in selected post offices nationwide, online at www.irishstamps.ie and from the GPO at 01-7057400.