A ZEPPELIN PEAT.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 22, 19 March 1918, Page 4

A ZEPPELIN PEAT.

REPAIRS UNDER iSEARCHLIGHT.

Chief-mechanic Heinrich Fey, in charge of the starboard motor of a Zeppelin, has been awarded the Iron Cross of the first-class for repairs carried out under fire while over England. The official version of the sky Hun’s feat—published broadcast in Germany in accordance with the system of advertising the achievements of the flying forces—reads: “ Chief-mechanic Heinrich Fey, of Rastorf, County of Lauenburg, took part in a cruise to England on the night of November 27-28, 1916. During the trip the cooler apparatus of his motor got out of order, and in the inky darkness Fey was unable to put it right. He tugged and tugged at it, but not being able to see properly was baffled. When the Zeppelinn, about 10 p.m. reached the English coast south of Flamborough Head it was 'picked up’ by English searchlights and held in an ellipse of light and the heaviest gunfire. The ship, after dropping bombs, tried to escape by zig-zagging, and while doing so came under the strong fire of motor-car guns and later of defensive batteries on the Humber.

“Suddenly, to their astonishment the crew discovered Fey in the midst of the bombardment, taking advantage of the illumination by clambering outside his gondola and calmly working on his cooler-curtain. He remarked to a mate as he climbed out, ‘This is a fine opportunity to bring this, verfluchtes (damned) thing into shape,’ and, suiting his action to the words, the chief mechanic accomplished the object as unperturbed up there in the tremendous altitudes as if he were in a hangar at home—thanks to the help given him by English searchlights. “Fey won the Iron Cross of the second class some time ago.”