V.C. FOR AIR HERO

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2870, 7 September 1916, Page 5

V.C. FOR AIR HERO

' DARING ATTACK ON TWO ZEPPELINS ONE SENT TO EARTH Au6tralian-New Zealand Cablo Association. London, September 5. Official:. The King lias awarded Lieut. William Robinson, of the Royal Flying Corps, the Victoria Cross. With most conspicuous bravery ho attacked an airship in tho last raid, under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it to the ground a flaming wreck. Lieut. Robinson had been in the air for two .hours, during which time he previously attacked another airship. Thb War Office adds: "The airship passed through heavy and acourate gun. fire, but it is established beyond doubt ' that tho aeroplane was the main factor in its destruction. Lieut. Robinson attacked tho raider with the utmost gallantry and judgment,'and brought it ' down. An important part of another airship was picked up in an eastern county, proving that our gunfire caused severe damage." FLIRTING WITH DEATH. (Beuter'e Tclezram.) (Rec. September 6, 7.5 p.m.) London, September 6. Tho scouting search lights having revealed the Zeppelin, Rolirison followed tho invader for twenty minutes, and signalled the anti-aircraft guns to stop firing. Hie, intrepid airman had a narrow escape from tho flaming debris after dropping the fatal bomb. " - Robinson is 21 years of age. Ho was - born in India, and obtained, his certificate last year. He visited the wreckage after tho feat, and was presented with an Iron Cross which was i'ouud . in the ruins. Robinson earned £3500 . in prizes by bringing down the first Zeppelin in Britauu The inquest disclosed tho fact that tho members of the Zeppelin's crew were very young men. >

INQUEST ON ZEPPELIN VICTIMS

Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. '' (Roc. September G, 5.30 p.m.) London, September 5. Ac the inquest oiitbo destroyed-Zep-pelin victims, the evidence showed that the deaths were due to shrapnel from tbo anti-aircraft guns, which were seento hurst around the airship. After a few minutes the Zeppelin burst into 'ilames, but it was stated that if Robinson's aeroplane' had been absent the Zeppelin would have escaped. There was nothing- by which it would be possible to identify the corpses. Tho verdict was to the effect that the Zeppeliu was brought down by an aeroplane, which was piloted by Robinson. ' Tho Coroner announced 'that tho vie. thus would be accorded a military funeral at tho nearest cemetery. PROTEST AGAINST MILITARY FUNERAL. (Rcc. September 6, 6.55 p.m.) London, September 6. Some of tho newspapers protest against.tho War Office ordering a military funeral for the crew of the destroyed Zeppelin. (