COBHAM’S FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1926, Page 2

COBHAM’S FLIGHT

THE SEQUEL TO BOMBING. - [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.} LONDON, July 7. The Labour paper, “The Daily Herald,” finds Elliott’s death a subject for a leaderette. It says: “Why did a wandering Arab in 31esopotamia shoo, at. Cabham’s aeroplane? A young and useful life fell a victim to a stray bullet. Why was it discharged? Simply because the British, in Mesopotamia, have taught the Arabs to look upon the aeroplanes as death-dealing monsters. The aeroplanes have been used to bomb the villagers who have not paid taxes, or who otherwise have objected to British rule. The aeroplanes have spread panic, and have inflamed the hatred ot the Arab who killed poor young Elliott. The Arab doubtless thought that this machine was on its way to carry death and destruction. 33 r c are reaping what we have sown.”

LONDON, July 7. Tlie British Air Ministry states that it has not received any request to supply Cobham with a- fresh mechanic. It would he quicker to obtain one on the spot than to send one from England, it- states, but if such a request were made, then the British Air Force Commander of Iraq would have to seek approval from London. The manager of the De Hayilnnd Company states that he has replied to a message from Cobham. asking if the 3ranager would recommend him to complete the flight to Australia. He had informed Cohluim that it was desirable for Cobham to carry on if he had no objection. The manager said be was now awaiting ’Qoblia-mAs decision. There were two choices either to. send out a fresh mechanic, or to get one from the Iraq air force. It. seemed - most probable' that the latter plan would he adopted. LONDON, July 7.

The manager of the De Haviland Aeroplane Company points out that it may ho difficult for Cobham to secure a mechanic at Basra, who understands the Siddeley-Jaguar engine which Cobham is using. Tho airmen there uso mostly the Siddeley-Pumau engine, which is greatly different from the Jaguars, but there may be some wlio are used to the Jaguars at Cairo.

Elliott (who was shot) underwent a special training study of Jaguars. tVbetber the journey is continued or abandoned, it will be necessary to provide another mechanic understanding the engine. ELLIOTT'S BURIAL. BASRA, July 7. Elliott was buried ill the Makinah Cemetery, where thousands of tlie men who lost their lives in the 33 7 ar lie buried. Members of tlie Air Force carried the coffin. The Air Force and the civil population were largely represented. Dozens of wreaths covered the coffin. i COBHA3FS FLIGHT. , (Received this day at 8 a.m.) 3IELBOURNE, July 9. De Havilfand’s are sending an engineer to join Cobham when the flight, will be definitely continued. (Copyright (to - the Australian Press Association). Cobliain advises lio has joined an air force machine- to find the spot from which the fatal bullet was fired. They have located the place within a mile. Drastic stops are being taken to find the culprit. Air force machines fly daily over the spot but are never fired on. “3Ve flew low near tlie spot in lan endeavour to draw the Arabs lire blit without result.” Cobliain concludes.