Plaque at Town Dock Commemorating 1st Commercial Flights Across Atlantic, July 9, 1939
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To commemorate the achievement of the first commercial survey flights made across the North Atlantic jointly by Pan American Airways and Imperial Airways*
*Forerunner of British Overseas Airways Corporation
Piloted by Captain Harold E. Gray, the Pan American Sikorsky S-42B Clipper flying boat departed from Port Washington and arrived at Foynes, Ireland, July 9, 1937.
Piloted by Captain Arthur S. Wilcockson, the Imperial Airways Short ‘G’ Class flying boat “Caledonia” arrived at Port Washington on this date from Foynes.
Thus was pioneered the beginning of a new era in communications between the peoples of the world.
Erected by the Wings Club, 1969.
Photo courtesy of Will Wright.