The venerable aircraft known as The Bremen, a German Junkers W 33, etched its name into the annals of aviation history by completing the first successful transatlantic aeroplane flight from east to west. This monumental journey unfolded across April 12 and 13, 1928, marking a significant milestone in the age of aerial exploration.

Following a protracted period of seventeen days marked by challenging weather conditions that forced a delay, The Bremen finally departed from Baldonnel Aerodrome in Ireland on April 12. Aboard were its three intrepid crew members, embarking on a perilous voyage across the vast Atlantic. Their destination was Greenly Island, a remote outpost in Canada, which they reached on April 13. The flight itself was far from smooth, characterized by difficult conditions and persistent compass problems that severely tested the skill and endurance of the crew.

This daring attempt was spearheaded by two key figures: Ehrenfried Günther Freiherr von Hünefeld, the aircraft's wealthy owner and a distinguished German aristocrat, and Captain Hermann Köhl, a seasoned pilot. Both had previously attempted this formidable feat in 1927, in an all-German endeavor, but had been forced to abandon their plans due to insurmountable bad weather. For this renewed and determined effort, they were joined by a crucial third crewman, the experienced Irish navigator Major James Fitzmaurice. Fitzmaurice, too, was no stranger to the immense challenges of transatlantic flight, having previously made an attempt as co-pilot of the Princess Xenia alongside Robert Henry McIntosh in September 1927, which was also curtailed by severe headwinds.

The Aircraft: Junkers W 33

At the heart of this historic journey was the Junkers W 33, a testament to German aviation engineering of the 1920s. This aircraft was a single-engine, low-wing monoplane designed primarily for transport. It exemplified Junkers' innovative standard practice of the era, which extensively utilized corrugated aluminium alloy for its airframe, built over a robust aluminium alloy tube frame. This design philosophy aimed to achieve both structural integrity and a lighter weight, crucial for long-distance flights.

The W 33 was a direct descendant of the Junkers F 13, a slightly smaller but similar aircraft that paved the way for its design. It also served as the developmental precursor to the equally successful W 34, showcasing a lineage of reliable and advanced aircraft. What truly set The Bremen apart, however, was its specific achievement: being the first aircraft to successfully complete the east-west non-stop heavier-than-air crossing of the Atlantic, a trajectory widely regarded as significantly more challenging than its west-to-east counterpart due to prevailing winds and weather patterns.

The Challenge of the East-West Crossing

The decision to fly from east to west across the Atlantic presented a considerably greater challenge than the reverse route. Prevailing westerly winds, which often provided a helpful tailwind for flights heading from North America to Europe (as famously demonstrated by Charles Lindbergh's solo flight in 1927), became formidable headwinds for eastbound attempts. This meant The Bremen had to contend with constant resistance, significantly increasing fuel consumption, reducing ground speed, and prolonging the flight duration. Navigational accuracy over the vast, often featureless ocean, compounded by the primitive instruments of the era and the reported compass problems, made their achievement even more extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Bremen

What made The Bremen's flight so significant?

The Bremen's flight marked the first successful east-to-west transatlantic aeroplane crossing. This direction was far more challenging due to prevailing westerly winds, which meant the aircraft had to contend with constant headwinds, increasing the difficulty of navigation, fuel management, and overall endurance compared to the more common west-to-east route.

Who were the crew members of The Bremen?

The three-man crew consisted of Ehrenfried Günther Freiherr von Hünefeld, the aircraft's owner and a German aristocrat; Captain Hermann Köhl, the pilot, also German; and Major James Fitzmaurice, an Irish navigator.

What type of aircraft was The Bremen?

The Bremen was a Junkers W 33, a German-made single-engine, low-wing monoplane transport aircraft from the 1920s. It was notable for its construction using corrugated aluminium alloy, a signature design element of Junkers aircraft.

Where did The Bremen take off from and land?

The aircraft departed from Baldonnel Aerodrome in Ireland on April 12, 1928, and made its historic landing on Greenly Island, Canada, on April 13, 1928.

What happened to The Bremen after its historic flight?

Following its groundbreaking journey, The Bremen was eventually sold and acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. While it was initially exhibited, it was later disassembled. Parts of the aircraft were displayed in various locations, and some components are believed to be held by museums or private collections, although the complete airframe no longer exists as a single entity.

Was this the first transatlantic flight ever?

No, it was not the first transatlantic flight overall. That distinction belongs to the U.S. Navy Curtiss NC-4 flying boat in May 1919 (with multiple stops). Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight (west-to-east) in May 1927. The Bremen's unique achievement was the first *successful east-to-west non-stop aeroplane* crossing, which, as noted, posed distinct and greater challenges.