THE INTREPIDITY OF BRITISH AIRMEN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 4 January 1917, Page 3

THE INTREPIDITY OF BRITISH AIRMEN.

A GERMAN OPINION. A German opinion of the intrepidity of British aviators is contained in a recent issue of the "Neueste Nuchric-'u > ten," of Kiel, in the form of a description of the Allies' air service by a Rhinelander. "The gigantic number of enemy aviators," states the paper mentioned "exceeded anything seen or experienced in this war. By 3.30 a.m. they were already flying, and they cruised with the greatest coolness in the midst of our fire. They fly so low that Ave can make out the smallest details with the naked eye. Their aviators carry out peace-time manoeuvres, and are indifferent to all dangers. They even shoot at us i n cur holes and trenches with machineguns, and when they want to find our bomb-proofs they come down still lowi er until actually within pistol-shot. Many of them have been shot down, and when their photographs have been developed we have been able to distinguish the entrances to our shelters. Their artillery has much to thank them for. As a rule young English lads of from 18 to 20 years of agequite little fellows—sit in the French machines. When they threw down that wreath for poor Immelmann, they did it right over one of our batteries. The n they were off again; and five minutes later that battery was under ■ such fire that it had to change position mighty quick. They are frightfully cheeky, these aviators, and as they usually fly six together it makes do difference if one or the other is lost."