PERILOUS PLIGHT

Northern Advocate, 20 May 1929, Page 5

PERILOUS PLIGHT

GRAF ZEPPELIN DRIFT / SAFE LANDING AT TOULON. FRANCE WAIVES FORMALITIES. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.?; (Reqeived 9 a .in.) LONDON, May 18. , Before Dr. Eekener, commanding the Graf Zeppelin, reached Valence, he broadcasted' a wireless message asking: “What are the best located landing places in your vicinity? Please advise Valence garrison to have troops in readiness. M Thenceforward the Graf Zeppelin was continually sending wireless messages or dropping hand-written notes to .earth each with an urgent plea to organise troops at all available aerodromes.

In response, to these appeals troops were hurriedly drafted at the Valence aerodrome and given instructions as to handling the Zeppelin but later Dr Eekener signalled that he intended trying another course instead of risking a landing. After the airship reached Avignon the .wind was somewhat leas violent, though it was still hindering navigation, the airship being often observed broadside on to the wind 1 .

When over Carpentras it was twice turned round upon its axis 'by the force of the wind, the crowd below watching open-mouthed, fearing that it would break in two.

Efforts to land failed, one at Ancone and tlie other at Isferes, near Marseilles. The force of the wind drove the Zeppelin away before the waiting crowds were able to seize the ropes.

Twelve miles north of Marseilles Dr. Eekener re-started the motor in order to avoid being blown to sea. Finally he wirelessed asking permission to land at the na,val aerodrome at Toulon.

The reply from the French authorities was: “Land anywhere you like,’ at ’any time. We will do everything to facilitate it.”

Night threatened before the monster airship found a safe descending point* but happily the circumstances at Toulon were favourable and the wind

dropped. , The small’ staff of attendants were able to -eateh the Zeppelin’s ropes,' while 1000 men were hurriedly summoned in order to mOor her.

The airship landed at France’s chief aviation base without damage, and nobody was injured.

While the crowd and the staff of the aerodrome held on to the ropes, soldiers were rushed from’ Toulon and crowds of volunteers appeared from near-by factories.

Within half an hour the Zeppelin wqs got into the hangar. The passengers and crew were landed 'by means of /ladders. Many of the former showed signs of air sickness, owing to the buffeting whil& drifting, ; All passport and Customs examination was waived. Everyone- was relieved that the perilous journey had ended.

The Zeppelin Company, as soon as it' heard that the Graf Zeppelin had landed, wirelessed the French Air Ministry; ‘‘ Thanks,, for your kindness and wonderfufl. services and advice during the hours of 'anxiety.

The French Government has granted permission to the company to send new engines by motor car, A message from Berlin says that four new engines have been dispatch; ed to Toulon by train. Dr, Duets, chief constructor at the Zeppelin works, will accompany them and sup; erintend their installation.