D-1717 launches from the Bremen's catapult. Photo from: The personal collection of Paul Bert 1906-1981

It's easy to forget how much the paper mail mattered. The HE 12 (not He 12, the E is for monoplane) was built to be catapulted off the liner Bremen to speed up the translantic snail mail. D-1717 was christened New York by the city's mayor upon its triumphal first arrival there on 22 July 1929, although it had been launched a mere 110 km (68 miles) out. It is seen here arriving in Amsterdam a record five days after the ship left New York in June 1930, as reported by Dutch newspapers carrying the same photo. The photo source said circa January 1930 but the light clothing worn arose suspicion! Photo from: Amsterdam City Archives