In the Air

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 4, 29 November 1916, Page 2

In the Air

ZEPPELIN FAILURE. THOUSANDS SEE MONSTER FALL A THRILLING STORY. HEAVY BLOW TO GERMAN HOPES. Press Association—Copyngnt. Reuter’s Telegrams (Received 12.15 p.m.) London, November 28. The Zeppelin on the north-ease coast was hit by our guns five minutes after being picked up by searchlights. 'Thousands ■of spectators cheered frantically when the blazing monsten r .,tlia,.. light from which was visible over thirty miles, fell into the sea. Other Zeppelins over this cis-

trice were apparently driven olf by gunfire and compelled to drop bombs in outlying unprotected districts. The Zeppelin which visited the north Midlands dropped a number of bombs over a small area. (Received 1.30 pan.) London, November 2S. One eye-witness in Norfork states that the Zeppelin was travelling at a tremendous speed at an altitude of nine thousand" feet. It approached the coast in a last desperate effort to got to sea, but naval aeroplanes closed in on their victim, and a dingdong struggle ensued. For a brief period it seemed that fortune was favouring the raider. Rising higher ■and higher the enemy airships passed our coast defences, but our aeroplanes, however, continued in pursuit, while the naval guns poured in a pitiless fire. Suddenly the guns ceased, and spectators on the shore watched in breathless excitement. Two aeroplanes were observed to be manoeuvring alongside the German airship. It was soon evident her fate was sealed for a sheet of flame appeared at the stern of the Zeppelin, and this travelled rapidly from point-to-point and enveloped the airship. (Received 1.50 pan.) London, November 28. ‘ A moment later the airship was a mass of llaraes, and breaking in two dashed down to the sea. Th o spectators were unable to restrain their joy, and wild cheering broke out. Meanwhile the destroyers

and other craft raced to the scene in the hope of rescuing the crew, and remained in the vicinity for some hours. There is no doubt that this iaider was one of the largest type. f i he destruction of the Northumberland raider was visible in several northern towns. Gunfire brought the people out of their beds into the streets. They saw the searchlights focus on the Zeppelin, and soon a bright glow descended from the sky to son. The raid is a heavy blow to German aspirations, and shows that London is not the only place immune from attacks, Germany, for the first time, has got some idea of the groat improvement in England’s anti-air-craft defence, and is compelled to realise the great risk further air-fn’glit-fnlness entails.