SEAPLANE v. ZEPPELIN

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11610, 9 August 1918, Page 6

SEAPLANE v. ZEPPELIN

COMBAT OVER j THE NO RTII SEA. An between, a British seaplane and a ZeppelinoOver'the North Sea is described by the Daily Chronicle. The seaplane, in command of Pilot-Oaptain Pattisoo, was patrolling the North Sea when tne Zeppelin was sighted. Visibility was not good at the time. The seaplane at once attacked the Zeppelin, which immediately made preparations to get the advantage of height by throwing out bomba indiscriminately and discharging a quantity of water ballast in order to rise more quickly. The German craft also Uirew out a smoke "screen and endeavoured to make away’ with this. The seaplane, however, kept her well in view and opened fire As a result of having lightened his craft, the captain of the Zeppelin rose a further 2000 ft., closely followed by the seaplane, which fired many rounds into its opponent The Zeppelin continued to rise and reached a great height and appeared tibein diffiulties. After carrying on the attack for 35 minutes the seaplane forced the Zeppelin to retreat full speed for the Gsman coast. Just at this time six enemy destroyers arrived on the scene and took part in the action with their anti-aircraft guns. But they fired only a few rounds and then made a westward course. Five minutes afterwards the oil pipe of the seaplane fractured, and attempts to re- i pair it in the air being unsuccessful | the seaplane landed on the water, ' and the pipe was mended with tape. j The seaplane then continued her • patrol. j