IN THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 19 June 1917, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

THE AIR RAID. A HOT RECEPTION. LONDON, June 17. Reports from east coast towns state that following a thunderstorm the night was still and clear. Thousands were aroused from sleep by a terrific bombardment. Searchlights picked up the raider, which penetrated a few miles inland. Anti-aircraft guns gave it a hot reception. The airship was soon aflame, and descended some distance away amid tremendous cheering. The first explosion occurred in a south-east coast town, about two in the morning. Aerial torepdoes and explosive bombs were dropped. The fires were quieklyrcxtinguished. A torepdo damaged some old cottages and private residences. & ' THE GERMAN VERSION. :

Received 9.55 a.m.

LONDON, June IS,

A German communique, in referring to yesterday's Zeppelin air Taid on England, speaks of attacking important fortresses in the south of England with good results. It admits that an airman downed. a Zeppelin. REPRISALS DEMANDED. LONDON, June 18. A crowded meeting in the London Opera House, the Lord Mayor presiding resolved that systematic and ruthless reprisals are the only means of bringing home to the German people the inhumanity and cruelty of their dastardly criminal air raids. The meeting called on the Government to initiate immediately a policy of ceaseless air attacks on German cities. THE ZEPPELIN CREW PERISH. GREAT WORK BY AIRMEN.

LONDON, June 18

The Zeppelin crew perished. The mangled bodies of six who jumped from the wreck are scattered in adjacent fields. It is believed that eight or ten bodies remain in the wreckage. An eye-witness who watched the Zeppelin for forty minutes says it was apparently winged by guns. Three aeroplanes approached. The last, which was the fastest, seemed as if it intended to ram the airship, but instead climbed over it, peppering the whole length splendidly by daring, clean work. The airship was set on fire from end to end and drifted slowly onward.

FLEETS OF HOSTILE AEROPLANES FORECASTED.

Received 10.15

PARIS, June 18

Newspapers, commenting on the destruction of the Zeppelin, remarked that this shows Britain's remarkable aerial mastery. Germany now knows the British coast is as well guarded as London, and point out that with one exception all recent Zeppelin raids on England resulted disastrously for the raiders.

LONDON, June 18

Numerous publicists forecast the invasion by fleets of scores of aeroplanes, and eagerly discuss defensive measures and reprisals.

ALLIED AIR RAID ON GHENT.

Ecceived 10.15 a.m

AMSTERDAM, June 18

The Telegraaf states that the recent Allied air raid on Ghent destroyed a muntion factory, also the commandant's quarters. Many civilians, labourers and soldiers were killed.