BRAVE SPANISH AVIATORS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15496, 1 January 1914, Page 5

BRAVE SPANISH AVIATORS.

desperate: adventure.

FIRED ON BY THE MOOBS.

[from ous oto correspondent.] London, November 21. The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that aviators operating with the Spanish forces in Morocco have had a most exciting experience, so far unique in the brief history of military aeroplaning. two of them who were wounded while in mid-air displaying magnificent courage and coolness in the most trying circumstances. Messages from Tetuan give the following graphic details of the adventure.

It was_ desired to know the number and distribution of the enemy's forces butrounding Tetuan, and to make a reconnaissance of the Aaghors and Wad Ras Kabyles. The task of obtaining this information was entrusted to the aviation section, and four aeroplanes started from Tetuan to accomplish the mission. One of the machines was a biplane piloted by Lieutenant Rios, accompanied by Engi-neer-Captain Manuel Barreiro as observer. They noticed a group of Moors assembled on an eminence lr ■ :-wn as Mount Conico, close to the Lauawi military post, and Lieutenant Rios immediately steered in that direction. When she shaped her course for Mount Cottico the aeroplane was at an elevation of nearly 3000 ft above sea level, but when approaching the hill the pilot brought the machine down to about 1000 ft above land.

Armed Moors, who watched the movements of the aeroplanes with intense interest, were stationed on the highest peak of Mount Conico. The aviators made a wide sweep towards tie Dar Harcha encampment, where tits aeroplane sheds are situated, and as they did so the Moors on Mount Conico opened fire, directing a heavy volley upon the machine and its occupants. The rattle of the discharge which reached the ears of the aviators Was quickly followed by the whistling of bullets in unpleasant proximity to them. More shots were fired, gome of which pattered on the wings of the biplane, and unfortunately the daring aviators did not escape unhurt. Lieutenant Rios was struck by one bullet, and Captain Barreiro by two, the wounds in both cases being of a serious character.

At the first moment neither the pilot nor the passenger paid any attention to his wound, and it appeared that no great damage had been done to the machine. They proceeded with their respective tasks —Lieutenant Rios keeping the aeroplane on an evtj keel, and Captain Barreiro noting the position and numbers of the Moors. Soon, however, the acute pain of their wounds and the blood streaming over their uniforms, brought home to the intrepid officers the danger of their situation.

Although he -was growing weaker at every moment, through loss of blood, the pilot, without losing his presence of mind, kept admirable control of the machine, and put the motor at full speed, while behind him the voice of Captain Barreiro encouraged him to continue the flight. More than 10 miles had to be covered before they reached the encampment, and Lieutenant Rios made a supreme effort to maintain control over himself and his machine. Meanwhile, observers between Lauzian and Tetijan noticed the rapid return of the aeroplane and suspected that something -vas wronp. As the machine approached the camp it began to plane down, as if the pilot desired to alight alongside the town wall. This unusual manoeuvre— this biplane should have continued towards Dar —caused the people who were watching much alarm, and convinced them that all was not right. Much to their relief, however, the aeroplane at last made an admirably skilful descent alongside the tents cf the encampment. Generals, officers, and troops rusued out of the camp to learn what bad happened Lieutenant Rios jumped out at once. A bullet had entered bis body and passed oat at lis right side. Captain Barreiro however, sat perfectly still, apparently dead, having received two bullets in his body, his wounds being of a very dangerous nature Both men were immediately taken to hospital, where they were visited by General Marina, Colonel Vives, and the Infant* Alfonso. It was found that, the mach.-no had three bullet-holes in one of the left plan'*.