IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 June 1918, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

COMBATS OVER NORTH SEA. SOME EXCITING FIGHTS. Received June 17, 12.45 a.m. London, June 15. The increased activity of the German naval airmen in the North Sea has led to a number of exciting combats, in which the British more than held their own. Details of the fight cabled on June 8 show that five British seaplanes were patrolling, when, owing to a broken petrol pipe, one descended to the sea for repairs. The others chased off five enemy seaplanes, which declined to fight, and subsequently chased off two more. Half an hour later 10 Germans appeared, our four immediately gave action, and drove down two large seaplanes, riddled with shot, one bursting into flames as it reached the water. One of our seaplanes was damaged, and eventually landed at Vlieland, as did the plane with the broken petrol pipe, and the crews were interned. During the light two of the enemy seaplanes, detached from the main body, gave an exciting combat, in the course of which one of our assistant pilots was shot in the head, and died instantly. The chief pilot continued to navigate the machine, and although attacked from the rear and below by four of the (■!' "tiv on one side and three on ' British pilot nose-dived and foughi' -inning fight from the stern with \ fx'i fUfcven machines and finally force® {hum to break off the pursuit.— Press Jfcssoc.