WONDERFUL AIR EXPLOIT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 39, 9 November 1918, Page 7

WONDERFUL AIR EXPLOIT

DIUTISH AVIATOR FIGHTS FIFTY ENEMY MACHINES. (liec. November 8, B.UO p.m.) London, November 7. ..Mr, Philip Gibbs writes:—"One of tho most' wonderful air exploits of the war occurred, over Mormnl Forest.' A British major fought fifty uiachuiee, destroyed four, and drove, down six, despite severe, wounds. He was engaged in scouting, and met a single enemy, and destroyed • him. Ho engaged a second, and ■ received a wound in the thigh. Beius stunned, he almost crashed, but eaved himself, and found fifteen Fokkers around him. He shot down three nnd dfovo down ofliere.. Then a bullet broke Ms thigh. Ho fainted and dropped far, but. then regained consciousness. Over iv Jozen fresh machines attacked him. Tho major ignited one, mid a bullet then smashed his elbow. Next ho encountered eight scouts, but escaped by trick flying, after driving down two, and landed 'successfully. Ho was taken to liospitnl in a gravo condition." ' ' Other sources state that tho major,' finding both , legs and one arm-disabled, three times attempted to ram eneiiiy l machines' in order to die fighting, but. each tinio crashed or drove down an op- : ponent;- Ho: himself crashed in lauding," , " and 1 fainted-.v Hβ "is. uow recovering'.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable"Assu. .: .