AIRMEN ON A RAFT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 86, 4 January 1918, Page 9

AIRMEN ON A RAFT

THRILLING EXPERIENCES. One of. the most thrilling escapades in tlio annals of the Royal Naval Air Servicei is that of Flight-Commander Edwin Rowland Moon, D.5.0., of Southampton, who was officially reported early last year to have been killed in action' in German East Africa. Later it- was ascertained that ho had been taken prisoner by the Germans!! Tlio scene of the adventure was the Riifigi Delta, and the seaplane carrying Commander Bridgman and FlightCoinmander Moon was forced to land owing to magneto -'failure. Having ascertained that the daningo was not repairable, the two officers proceeded to burn tlio machine in order to get away from the enemy party which might have seen them land. Moon swam the stream, which was swarming with crocodilos, with a view to finding a boat, hut his quest failed, as did a. fresh attempt next day. Apart from coconuts the officers had had nothing to eat or drink sinco leaving their station at nightfall. After much wandering they discovered an empty house, and hy removing the win-dow-frame roughly constructed a raft. ISv the evening of the third day both officers were completely exhausted, and Bridgman was practicably insensible. In his anxioty, Moon failed to stem tlio tide, and the raft was carried out lo sea. A strong north-westerly wind increased his difficulties. Tho raft became, partially water-log-ged, and Moon had the terriblo task of keeping himself afloat on the raft and also supporting Bridgman in his arms to keep his head out of the water. Again and again Bridgman was washed off the raft and was rescued by Moon, but filially he died of exhaustion and exposure. Luring tho fourth afternoon the raft was drifted back by the tide, and Moon managed to regain the laud. Thorn he collapsed, and could only point to his mouth to signify he wanted food._ He soon recovered, and is now quite well.