LOST FLYERS AT WYNDHAM

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 7 July 1932, Page 5

LOST FLYERS AT WYNDHAM

BERTRAM IN GOOD SPIRITS. KLAUSEMANN SERIOUSLY ILL. t'Raa — L>y LRctllC lekigrDjjh uojjyriguuj • WYNDHAM, July 6. Tlie Wyndham meat works launch brought oacn; the two German aviators Hans Bertram and Adolf Klausemann mis morning after their five-week ordeal in the north-western bush. Bertram was in good spirits and sprang from the launch to the landing stage, but Klausemann was seriously ill and was carried to tbe Wyndham hospital, where accommodation was prepared for him.

The tragic result of the exposure and starvation is that Klausemann’s mind is unhinged. Bertram, told tjhe rescuers that he had undergone experiences which nothing in the world would induce him to disclose. Bertram was so overcome with emotion that he was unable adequately to express his feelings when the citizens’ welcome subsided. He merely said he felt fairly good but was a mass of nerves, was unable to get a wink of sleep and was nearly mad with toothache. He looked a haggard but picturesque figure, tall and athletic, with brown eyes and a charming smile. Klausemann, a smaller man, is unshaven and a physical wreck. Bertram yielded to the local doctor’s suggestion to go to bed at the hospital alongside his companion. r ihe pair received every attention and succour, for which Bertram expressed his heartfelt gratitude. They first landed at tlio mouth of the Berkley River, Bertram said, and met friendly blacks who gave them fish. They resumed the flight, but were compelled to land ten minutes later owing to lack of petrol. They went in search of natives, but saw not another until they were rescued ■on June 22. Their only food while drifting on the seaplane float was the fruit of the pandanus palm, a kind of cone-like pine. Bertram described their horror and despair when the motor-ship Koolinda passed within a mile without seeing them, although they clearly saw passengers on the decks. Constable Marshall, obviously glad at the successful completion of a long and hazardous task, says only the wonderful courage and stamina of Bertram saved the i>a.ir from a shocking death. Their condition when discovered was so pitiable as to be almost incredible. Great and enduring credit is due to the fathers of the Drysdale River native mission for their noble work in connection, with the rescue, providing food and comforts, and keeping the natives up to the task of searching from the very moment they learned, the airmen were missing. Their work is the subject of the warmest admiration of everybody in lonely north-west Australia.