The First Airplane To Complete The Transatlantic Flight Stopped In Chatham
The small town of Chatham, Massachusetts, holds an extraordinary place in the history of aviation. On May 9, 1919, it became a critical refueling stop for the NC-4, the Curtiss seaplane that would soon make history as the first aircraft to complete a transatlantic flight. This event not only marked a milestone in aviation but also highlighted the importance of Chatham Naval Air Station in the endeavor. Today, a small rock at the end of Strong Island Road in Chatham has a plaque on it dedicated to the historic journey and stop in town. Erected by the Chatham Historical Society in 1978, the plaque reads:
"Adjacent to this marker stood the United States Naval Airstation established on June 16, 1917. Returned to non-operational status on May 15, 1920, and closed in 1922. It served as a seaplane and lighter-than-air patrol base.
Here the Navy Seaplane NC-4 was put in for repairs after leaving Rockaway, Long Island, with two other NC's. After departing from Chatham with a crew of five on May 14, 1919, it came down at Halifax, Nova Scotia, caught up with the other planes at Trespassey, New Foundland, reached the Azores on May 17, Libson on May 27, and Plymouth, England on May 31.
The NC-4 was the only plane to complete this first historic crossing of the Atlantic by air."
The Birth of the Transatlantic Ambition
The dream of crossing the Atlantic by air captured the imagination of many in the early 20th century. The London Daily Mail's 1913 offer of a £10,000 prize for the first aviator to make the journey added fuel to the fire. However, it wasn’t until the end of World War I, with advances in technology and the development of large flying boats, that the feat became feasible.
The U.S. Navy, eager to demonstrate the capabilities of its new Curtiss NC flying boats, seized the opportunity. Although ineligible for the prize money, the Navy wanted the honor of being the first to conquer the Atlantic. The Curtiss NC-4, alongside its sister planes NC-1 and NC-3, was part of this ambitious project. These aircraft, known as "Nancy Boats," were marvels of engineering for their time, with a wingspan of 126 feet and a maximum speed of 85 miles per hour.
Evening public ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) May 08, 1919.
The Journey Begins
On May 8, 1919, the NC-4 and its companions took off from Naval Air Station Rockaway, Long Island, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia. However, the journey was fraught with challenges from the start. The NC-4 suffered engine troubles and was forced to land at sea off the coast of Cape Cod. The media dubbed it the "Lame Duck," casting doubt on its ability to complete the mission.
New-York tribune. [volume], May 28, 1919
Chatham: A Crucial Stop
Lieutenant Commander Albert Cushing Read, the commander and navigator of the NC-4, skillfully piloted the seaplane to Chatham Naval Air Station on May 9. This was no coincidence; Read had a personal connection to the area, having lived in Chatham as a child while his father served as a local Baptist minister. The NC-4’s arrival was met with urgency, as repairs were needed to get the plane back in the air.
Chatham Naval Air Station, established during World War I for anti-submarine patrols, played a vital role in the mission. Chief Machinist Mate Grover C. Farris led a repair team that worked tirelessly to overhaul the engines. The community also rallied to support the effort, with local mechanic George Goodspeed lending his expertise.
Despite challenges, including bad weather and the need to install a less powerful replacement engine, the team completed the repairs in just four days. Additional parts, including electric starters, were flown in from Rockaway by a daring pilot navigating the Cape’s tricky sandbars at night.
The Lake County Times. (Hammond, Ind.) May 09, 1919.
The Lake County Times. (Hammond, Ind.) May 09, 1919.
The Flight Continues
On May 14, 1919, the NC-4 took off from Chatham, heading north to Halifax and eventually to Trepassey, Newfoundland. This 300 nautical mile journey took a bit over 3 hours. The NC-4 was then rejoined with NC-1 and NC-3 which already made it to Trepassey.
Republican Farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) May 16, 1919.
It was at Trepassey that the transatlantic leg truly began for the seaplanes. On May 16, the NC-4, alongside the NC-1 and NC-3, launched toward the Azores, a demanding 1,200-mile stretch across the open Atlantic.
While the NC-1 and NC-3 were forced to land at sea, the NC-4 persevered, reaching the Azores and continuing onward. On May 27, 1919, the NC-4 landed triumphantly in Lisbon, Portugal, becoming the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic. The journey concluded in Plymouth, England, on May 31, where the crew was met with great fanfare. The 4,500-mile journey was a success!
Casper daily Tribune. (Casper, Wyo.) May 17, 1919
New-York tribune. [volume], May 28, 1919
New-York tribune. [volume], May 28, 1919
The Risks and Struggles of the Journey
The transatlantic journey was a perilous operation, pushing both man and machine to their limits. The NC-4, along with NC-1 and NC-3, faced immense challenges. The open cockpits exposed the crew to freezing, rushing air at altitude, while the deafening roar of the four V-12 Liberty engines—mounted without mufflers—made communication nearly impossible. Crew members had to pass handwritten notes between stations to coordinate effectively.
Navigating the vast ocean required extraordinary skill and endurance. Much of the flight relied on dead reckoning (D/R), supported by radio signals from naval destroyers stationed along the route. The longest leg, from Trepassey, Newfoundland, to the Azores, took over 14 grueling hours, much of it in darkness. Maintaining spatial orientation, keeping the wings level, and managing fatigue were constant challenges in an environment fraught with danger.
Despite the risks, the crews managed to sustain themselves with emergency rations, ham sandwiches, and coffee. Their perseverance and camaraderie turned the impossible into reality.
Evening public ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]), June 11, 1919
Guide Ships: The Unsung Heroes
The transatlantic journey of the NC-4 was not a solo endeavor. To ensure the safety of the crew, the Navy deployed 68 destroyers at intervals of 50 to 75 miles along the route to serve as guideposts, monitor weather conditions, provide updates, and offer assistance in case of a water landing. These vessels were equipped with powerful searchlights and communication equipment to assist the planes in navigation, especially during the long and perilous flight from Newfoundland to the Azores.
Each ship represented a beacon of hope for the aviators as they traversed vast stretches of open water with no land in sight. The cooperation between air and sea showcased the Navy’s innovative use of coordinated logistics, emphasizing the interdependence of technology and human ingenuity.
The presence of these guide ships not only bolstered the morale of the NC-4 crew but also demonstrated the Navy's meticulous planning. By lighting the way and standing ready to assist, these ships turned an ambitious dream into a calculated mission with a greater chance of success.
A Legacy of Innovation and Courage
The success of the NC-4 was a testament to the bravery and skill of its crew, as well as the ingenuity of early aviation pioneers. Lieutenant Commander Read humbly attributed the accomplishment to "a continuous run of unadulterated luck," but it was clear that determination and teamwork played equally important roles.
Chatham’s contribution to this historic flight cannot be overstated. The Naval Air Station’s strategic location, skilled personnel, and supportive community were essential to the NC-4’s success. Today, the story of the NC-4 serves as a reminder of Chatham’s pivotal role in shaping aviation history.
Remembering the NC-4
The NC-4’s legacy lives on. After the flight, the aircraft was displayed in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Its hull was eventually preserved by the Smithsonian Institution, and the fully restored plane is now exhibited at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
Arizona Republican. August 10, 1919
The Pensacola Journal. November 02, 1919
Chatham’s connection to this groundbreaking achievement remains a point of pride for the Cape Cod community. The town’s role in supporting the first successful transatlantic flight is a shining example of how even small places can leave an indelible mark on history.