ATTACK BY AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1922, Page 5

ATTACK BY AIR.

FLEET CAN BE SUNK, RESULT OF EXPERIMENT. LESSON FOR BRITAIN, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 18, 8.50 p.m. London, July 17. The Daily Express states that although great secrecy was preserved regarding the experimental aircraft attack on warships, carried out during the King’s visit to the Fleet, it is understood the aircraft registered a surprisingly large number of hits and would have escaped practically unscathed. The Fleet had orders to prepare for an attack from the air at a time unstated. The warships altered their courses in order to present the least possible target, and surrounded themselves with a smoke screen, yet within ninety seconds of their first appearance the aircraft had discharged their torpedoes at short range and escaped, having secured many hits. on vit-d spots. The attack was carried out twenty miles from the coast.

It is understood the aircraft’s success in mimic warfare profoundly impressed the Air Ministry, which is planning a further special trial flight of seaplanes in the near future. The Daily Express adds: “The results open up possibilities of first rate importance to an island nation dependent upon sea power, which demands accurate official information regarding the measures being taken to secure national security m the light of the new situation.”—Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn. WAR OF THE FUTURE. FOUGHT IN THE AIR. Received July 18, 9.45 p.m. Paris, July 17. Klotz, speaking at Amiens, declared that if war broke out again it would be fought in the air, and England would not gain any protection from the Channel.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.