ZEPPELINS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 183, 16 June 1916, Page 4 (Supplement)

ZEPPELINS.

AXD THEIR I IMITATIONS. \\ ith its war i-oniplement of crew, fuel, and accessories it is estimated that the modern Zeppelin can take an average load of four tons of bombs, guns, and other lighting equipment. The bombs used are ot various types and si»es, the main class being incendiary and explosive. Some of the bomb's used over Kngland weighed 120 Ih. each, and their destructive power can be very great. Ot the largest size of bomb probably not more than ten are tarried, but the equipment of smaller bombs is considerable even when we allow for the machine guns carried in the cai'-i. Ammunition load, fuel capacity, and range vary with the typo of Zoppeliu employed. The naval ships being largest have the greatest potentiality, and it is fortunate for us that they form only a small part of the Zeppelin Hoot. IN AY A It TRIM. When in war trim the latest seagoing Zeppelin has a range of action of about 700 miles, that is 3o() miles out and Hol) miles back. By having replenishing stations near the*coast, or in Belgium, a ship can extend the voyage. however. Germany has built up Zeppelin stations in many parts of the country, and also in Belgium, and thus the ships have a wide range of action, and a considerable choice of harbours or places of refuge or replenishment In the raids upon England one of the North Sea air ports, such as Heligoland, Kiel, or Ktudon is generally employed. From Emdeu the 3">o-mile radius brings the raid zone over an arc of England ranging from Brighton via London arid the Midlands to Hartlepool. ff the Zepnclin, when attacking Enghtnd elected to retire to Belgium instead of to Eniden, the return trip would be so much shorter that England could be penetrated still further, and on this basis it cannot bo said that any part of England is outside the range of the ships. But London is the great objective of the raiders. NO EUROPEAN CAPITAL SAI L. Practically every capital in Europe is within the Zeppelin range, but when we come to consider the limitations ot the ships it will be obvious that the Zeppelin is not yet developed to a point in which it could make anything more tlwK.i political demonstrations, and the local damage done would hardly justify tiie attempt. But the case of England, and especially of London, is peculiar. Any blow against England feeds German vindictivoness, for undoubtedly Germany did not reckon on the prompt participation of England in the war, and she knows that British intervention lias spoiled her chance of success. The German is ;; bad loser, and ho has an hysterical strain which incites him to blind rage and fiendish revenge. Gorman hatred" of Englaud is so interne, especially as the war drags on. that anv crime against England please-, the baser clement of the German race. MuYder raids on England have given oxtraordinarv satisfaction in Goiinany . and in addition to the gratification ot revenge and murder lust, and the npinasiii"- of the national vanity, there has been a shrewd osUmit! : of the effects upon neutrals. Ihe Zeppelin raids on London during the autumn ot 191.) were cun ungly designed to influence the Balkans, and Germany, with her wonderful news organisation, was able to tell grim stories ol London in" ruins, and a panic-stricken people helpless under the German bomhard-nu.it.--From "Zeppelins and ftuporZeppelins."