On This Day: Marking the anniversary of transatlantic pilot James Fitzmaurice’s death

Born on January 6, 1898, [Subject’s Name] passed away on this same date. In 1914, he joined the Irish National Volunteers. At just 16 years old, he enlisted in the Seventh Battalion of the Royal Leinster Regiment (the Leinsters), but was quickly released for being underage.

Fitzmaurice enlisted in the British Army again in 1915. Throughout his service, he earned the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Commander. He was posted to the School of Military Aeronautics and trained in Eastbourne, England.

Shortly after the formation of the Irish Free State, Fitzmaurice joined the Irish Air Corps and was promoted to Captain a year later.

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### The Historic Transatlantic Flight

On the morning of April 12, 1928, Fitzmaurice took off on what would become the first transatlantic aircraft flight from East to West. Flying in the famous German aircraft *Bremen*, Fitzmaurice was joined by German co-pilot Hermann Köhl and plane owner Ehrenfried Günther Freiherr von Hünefeld as they departed from Dublin’s Baldonnel Aerodrome.

Despite harsh weather conditions and a series of compass issues, the trio landed on April 13 atop an iced-over reservoir on Canada’s Greenly Island. As the plane came to a stop, it broke through the ice, causing the tail to project 20 feet into the air. Everyone got wet, but all crew members were safe.

The telegraph message read:
**”German plane Bremen landed Greenly Island, noon, slightly damaged, crew well.”**

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### Celebrations and Honors

Following their historic achievement, the crew embarked on a two-month tour of American and European cities, where they were welcomed as heroes. [Watch this video](#) of their warm welcome in Detroit.

Days after landing the *Bremen*, the three men were presented with the United States Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight,” by former President Calvin Coolidge. They were also granted the Freedom of the City of Dublin — an honor bestowed on over 80 people, including Mother Teresa, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela.

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### Legacy

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the flight, a short film was produced profiling Fitzmaurice’s life, featuring a dramatic reconstruction of the journey.

In 1998, the Fitzmaurice Flying School opened in Baldonnel, Co Dublin, to honor his contributions to aviation. Additionally, a granite strip on New York City’s Broadway commemorates Fitzmaurice, featuring the names of the fliers.

Today, the *Bremen* aircraft belongs to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, but is currently on display in a hangar at the Bremen Airport Museum in Germany, where it has been fully restored.

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*Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2025.*
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/james-fitzmaurice-transatlantic-pilot

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