AVIATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 155, 16 June 1932, Page 8

AVIATION

MISSING AIRMEN BELIEVED TO BE MURDERED. HOSTILE TRIBESMEN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Perth, June 15. An intensive air search by Pilot Sutcliffe, of Western Australian Airways to-day, resulted in the discovery of Bertram’s seaplane practically undamaged at a tiny island 80 miles north-north-west of Wyndham and 100 miles from the Drysdale Mission. Native runners from the mission assert that Bertram and a companion or companions were apparently murdered by hostile tribesmen and their effects stolen and distributed, which would account for the discovery of the cigarette case and handkerchief. The runners say that it is impossible to live among the tribes of cither Erie or Ellis Islands, which are close together. The seaplane was located at Erie Island with one wing propped up. Apparently the crew came ashore and met the fate which the natives say was inevitable. However, the search is continuing. The reported discovery of the seaplane yesterday with a message attached was premature. AERIAL TROOPSHIP. ROYAL AIR FORCE’S LATEST. London, June 15. A great new aerial troopship will be shown for the first time at the R.A.F. display at Hendon on June 25. It is a biplane with a 90 feet span, is fitted with four Rolls Royce Kestral engines, and is capable of carrying 30 soldiers. It is also equipped with tackle for lifting sections of guns. It is designed for the swift conveyance of troops to the rescue of isolated parties of civilians and can easily be converted into a passenger air liner,