THE AEROPLANE IN WAR.

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1911, Page 6

THE AEROPLANE IN WAR.

ALARM OF ARABS NEAR TRIPOLI

The spectacle of successful aviation work in Tripoli was the cause of considerable astonishment to the Arabs. When they saw what they believed to be immense strange birds flying above them, they threw themselves on the ground and declared that destruction was coming to the^r

camp,

Captain Piazza made several trials with his Bleriot monoplane, and in his opinion it would be quite safe ,to fly from the town to the desert. He has built the hangar close to the Israelite cemetery; and is pleased to show the Arabs the latest wonder among machines which the ingi>nuky; of man has devised.

It was not until October 28 that the aeroplane came into actual service. On the previous day a Turkish officer approaching an Italian outpost had demanded "the" surrender of Tripoli. under threat of a strong attack in tJ:e event of refusal. Both reiusal ai.d attack to?lowed, but the Italian troops fought desperately to hold their positions. On the morning of October 2S a constant fire ?ras kept up from the Turkish and Arabian columns. Their advance became a serious menace, though the Italian artillery scattered, some portion of the attacking forces with every discharge

It became imperatively necessary to know where thg main body of Turkish troops was- f '-concentrating, and Captain Piazza flew over the enemy, and by means of flag signals indicated . their, strongest positions. As a cone.quence a well-directed fire took effect where it was most useful.

Captain Piazza flew at a height of about 1500 feet over the enemy's camp, and was fired at, a good many times without any damage being done. He biad a clear sight of both the opposing forces, and is convinced that the aeroplane has become indispensable in modern warfare.

During the attack the Italian troops captured a green flag from the Arabs.