‘Atlántida’ Patrol: Melilla-Santa Isabel / 1926
«…we will go and return flying in Patrol, all for one, and one for all» Commander Rafael Llorente Solá, head of the unit.
The Project and the Aircraft
The raid to Spanish Guinea was a long-desired project, since Captain Barberán proposed a flight from Seville to Bata in 1924. The failure of his Caudrón G-III at the start of the flight meant it had to be postponed, being delayed by new material and airmen needs.
Commander Llorente, head of the Atalayón Seaplane Base, presented the new plan for the flight along the coast from Melilla to Fernando Poo in nine stages. The goal was not only to link Spain with its province but also to use the flight section to map the western coast of Africa along the way. The School of Formation joined the project, with three captains from their unit: Jiménez Martín, Antonio Llorente, and Román Armario.
Three standard Dornier Wal hydroplanes were chosen, with their maximum load capacity dedicated to fuel (2,000 l). The load adjustment required disassembling the radios to install the surface photography equipment. Between photography gear, fuel, and crew, the total weight was 4,600 kg. This weight forced the commander to comment to the press that «…we might just be able to fit a change of clothes in our luggage».
The «dry» season was chosen for the raid, and since no plane had ever landed in the waters of several ports, a ground expedition led by Captain Mas de Gandula took up position and prepared the three landing points.
After 17 days, on December 26th, they arrived at Santa Isabel. They remained there mapping the country and flying the planes until January 25th, when they undertook the return trip.
The Crossing and the Results
Adverse weather, headwinds, and crew fatigue made the journey to Santa Isabel a feat. On the return, Captain Román Armario led the three Dorniers in formation in the calm waters of Mar Chica.
Flight Details:
December 6th to February 26th, 1927 15,047 Km. 121.15 KM/H