Airmen on a Raft.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 17 January 1918, Page 1

Airmen on a Raft.

THRILLING EXPERIENCES. * One of the most thrilling escapades in the annals of the Royal Naval Air Service is that of Flight-Commander Edwin Rowland Moon, D.5.0., of Southampton, who was officially roported early last year to have been killed in action in German East Africa Later it was ascertained that he had been taken prisoner by the Germans.

It appears that the sceneof the adventure was the Rufigi Delta, and the seaplane carrying Commander Bridgoman and Flight-Commander Moon was forced to land owing to magneto failure. Having ascertained that the damage was not repairable, the two officers proceeded to burn the machine in order to get away from an enemy party, which might have seen them land. r>

Moon swam the stream, which was swarming with crocodiles, with a view to finding a boat, but his quest failed, as did a fresh attempt next day. Apart from cocoanuts the officers had had nothing to cat or drink since leaving their station at nightfall.

After much wandering they discovered an ompty house, and by removing the window-frame roughly constructed a raftj By the evening of the third day both officers were completely exhausted, and Bridgeman was insensible. In his anxiety Moon failed to stem the tide, and the raft was carried out to sea. A strong north-west-erly sea increased his difficulties.

The raft became partially waterlogged, and Moon had the terrible task of keeping himself afloat oh the raft and_ also supporting Bridgeman in his <arm"s to keep his head out of the water. Again and again Bridgeman was washed off the raft and was rescued by Moon, but Anally he died of exhaustion or exposure.

During the fourth afternoon the raft was drifted back by the tide, and Moon managed to regain the land. There Moon collapsed, and could only point to his mouth to signify ho wanted food. He soon recovered, and is now quite well.