IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1916, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

THE ZEPPELIN RAID, TWO MONSTERS DESTROYED. SPECTATORS CHEER GUNNERY WORK. London, Nov. 2S. Official—ln the air raid, an aeroplane brought down the first airship at 11.45 p.m.

The second airship did not reach the coast before daybreak. It was travelling at 11 slow speed, which increased after passing-through the gunfire of the land defences, which claim that they hit it. An aeroplane dropped si.v bombs 011 London this morning from a great height. Four persons were injured, one woman seriously. The damage was light. (A. and N.Z. Cable Assn. and Renter). London, Nov. 28. In last night's raid bombs were dropped 011 Yorkshire and Durham. An airship was brought down in flames oil' the Durham const. Another airship dropped bombs on the North Midland counties. It was repeatedly attacked by aeroplanes and guns and appeared damaged, but apparently succeeded in effecting repairs near the Norfolk coast, and proceeded east at high speed, but was attacked nine miles out at sea at a height of 8000 feet by four naval aeroplanes' and an armed trawler and brought down in Haines at 0.46 in the morning.

The casualty and damage are believed to be slight. The Zeppelins on the north-east coast was hit by the guns five minutes after it was picked up Dy the searchlights. Thousands of spectators cheered frantically when the blazing monster, the light from which was visible over 30 miles, fell into the sea.

Otlfcr Zeppelins in this district were apparently driven off by gunfire and compelled to drop their bombs in outlying unprotected districts. The Zeppelin which visited the North Midlands dropped a number of bombs on a small area.

SLIGHT CASUALTIES ■London, Nor. 28. Official.—ln last night's air raid the damage and casualties were very slight. Over a hundred bombs were dropped. A woman died of shock, and five men, seven women and four children were injured Fifteen houses in one town were seriously, and twenty slightly, damaged. Elsewhere the damage was insignificant Nothing of military importance was hit

4EROPLANES VICTORIOUS. London, Nov. 2S. An eye-witness in Norfolk states that the Zeppelin, travelling at a tremendous speed at an altitude of fIOOO feet, approached the coast in a last desperate effort to get to sea. A naval aeroplane closed in on the victim, and a ding-dong struggle ensued. For a brief period it seemed that fortune was favoring the raider. Rising higher and higher the raider passed the coast defences. The aeroplanes, however. continued to pursue, while the naval guns poured in a pitiless fire. Suddenly the guns ceased, and the spectators on shore watched in breathless excitement. Two aeroplanes were observing manoeuvring alongside the airship, and soon it was evident that her fate was scaled. A sheet of flame appeared at the stern of the Zeppelin, travelling rapidly from point to point, and enveloped the airship. A moment later the airship was a mass of flames, and, breaking in two, dashed down to the sea.

The spectators were unable to restrain their joy and wild cheering broke out.

Meanwhile 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 110 doubt the raider was of the largest type.

The destruction of the Northumberland raider was visible in several northern towns. The sound of gunfire brought the people out of their beds into the streets. They saw the searchlights focus on th) Zeppelin and soon with a bright glow it descended from tho sky to the sea.

The townsfolk gave the artillerymen a tremendous ovation, shouldering them high through the crowded streets, the people cheering and the sirens of the shioping shrieking triumphantly. AN EXPENSIVE TRIP. Heuter Service. London, Nov, 2S. The air raid is a heavy blow to German aspirations. It showed that London is not the only place immune from attack. Germany has, for the 'first time, got some idea of the great improvement in the anti-aircraft defences, and will be compelled to realise the great risk of further frightfulness. AEROPLANE BROUGHT DOWN. Received Nov. 2fl, 11 p.m. London, Nov, 29. The. Admiralty report that the commodore at Dunkirk has been informed by the French authorities that they brought down an aeroplane at 2.15 on Tuesday. Two naval lieutenants, possessing a large scale map of London, were aboard.

NINE INJURED. A. & N.Z. Cable Association and Route?. Received Nov. 20, 5.35 p.m. London, Not, 2S. Later report? stat9 tlmt aeroplane bombs injured nine. AX UNANSWERED QUESTION. Received Nov. 20, 5.30 p.m. London, Xov. 2R. Tn the Hon ?o of ("(.'minors, Mr. Qilliert a«kcd whether the raider 911 London wa-: disguised as a British aeroplane, or a war aeroplane captured fr/im the British, lmt Mr. H. W. Forster (Financial Secretary to the War Office) declined to answer.