Areies off on record bid. The Aries, veteran globe flying Lancaster of the RAF, took off today (Wednesday) from Blackbushe, near Camberley, Surrey, in an attempt to break the England New Zealand record of 60 3/4 hours held by a Transport Command Lancastrian. Previous achievements of the Aries are a record flight from Britain to South Africa, the first non-stop flight from Cairo to the Cape, around the world flight in 1944. She also made the famous flying expedition over the North Polar Regions in 1945, and altogether is flown nearly a quarter of million miles. For Her present flight the Aries is equipped with the latest British navigational instruments, and also carries a selection of American and German navigational aids, which will be tested on the flight. In command of the mission is Air Commodore N H D'Eath, of New Forest, Hampshire. Captain of the Aries is Squadron leader JE Aldridge of Baldock, Herts. Picture shows, the Aries crew poses for a picture before the take off. left to right, Air Commodore N H D'Eath (Commanding), S/Ldr J E Aldridge (captain), F/lt D D Hurditch 2nd pilot, S/Ldr J G Messenger, 1st Navigator, S/Ldr J J McDonnell, 2nd nav, F/Lt D A Toof, 3rd nav, F/O, T H Graham, 1st wireless op, F/Sgt, L K Dobson, 2nd W OP, F/O R M Cooke, maintenance, F/Sgt A E C Brookin, fitter, Sgt R M Slowe, radar and Air Ministry Representative, G/Capt F S Stapleton, DSO, DFC. In background is Aries. . 21 August 1946