Hadrian crosses the Atlantic. A historical oddity.

[Draconis]

Somebody had the idea of towing a CG-4A glider (Hadrian) across the North Atlantic. It seems a remarkably risky stunt even for WW2 times. Any problem on tow with the weather or turbulence causing a tow rope separation the glider crew would be down in those cold waters. But they crossed successfully. It seems nobody made a habit of it though.

What possible circumstances would have compelled the RCAF, RAF and/or the USAAF to attempt to undertake these flights frequently and regularly?

 

[Driftless]

One thought is that this stunt/operation would give the Germans and Japanese some questions about whether this was a proof-of-concept for a long-range airborne attack. Another thought is that it proves to skeptical Allied leadership that gliders have more capabilities than the leadership expected? Either way, it seems fishy...

 

[Triune Kingdom]

Looking at the title, I thought for a moment this was about Roman Emperor....

 

[Draconis]

One thought is that this stunt/operation would give the Germans and Japanese some questions about whether this was a proof-of-concept for a long-range airborne attack. Another thought is that it proves to skeptical Allied leadership that gliders have more capabilities than the leadership expected? Either way, it seems fishy...

Here is a link to an article that goes into the flight in great detail. You may find yourself skimming over the author's excessive verbiage but there is a lot of interesting details buried in the text. The flight crews had very difficult experiences with the North Atlantic weather even in June and July. It's very lucky no one was killed.

It was magnificent. It was splendid. It was pointless. | The Channel

Greetings, my reading friend. How are you today?

ingeniumcanada.org

 

[Driftless]

Here is a link to an article that goes into the flight in great detail. You may find yourself skimming over the author's excessive verbiage but there is a lot of interesting details buried in the text. The flight crews had very difficult experiences with the North Atlantic weather even in June and July. It's very lucky no one was killed.

It was magnificent. It was splendid. It was pointless. | The Channel

Greetings, my reading friend. How are you today?

ingeniumcanada.org

The proverbial "white-knuckle" flight!

 

[Draconis]

Looking at the title, I thought for a moment this was about Roman Emperor....

Imagine if the British had named the CG-4A Waco gliders as Hannibals instead? The thread title would have read "Hannibal crosses the Atlantic. A historical oddity."
Going by the title people would be wondering if it should have been in the Pre-1900 or the ASB forums.