AERIAL ACTIVITIES

Southland Times, Issue 17831, 7 September 1916, Page 5

AERIAL ACTIVITIES

THE ZEPPELIN'S CEEW EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright) (Australian & X.Z, Cable Association.) LONDON, September 5. Received September C, 5.30 p.m. At the inquest on the Zeppelin victims evidence showed that shrapnel from the anti-aircraft guns was seen bursting around and a few minutes later the Zepplin burst into flames. But it was stated that if the aeroplane (the pilot of which, Robinson, has been awarded the V.C.) had been absent the Zeppelin would have escaped. There was nothing by which to identify the corpses, and the verdict was that the Zeppelin was brought down by an aeroplane piloted by Robinson. The coroner announced that the victims would be given a military funeral at the nearest cemetery. WHY THIS HONOUR? LONDON, September G. Received September 6, 6.55 p.m. Some newspapers protest against the War Office ordering a military funeral for the Zeppelin’s crew. ROBINSON’S FEAT A DABXNG EXPLOIT £3500 IN FEZZES WON (Reuter’s Telegrams.) LONDON, September «. Received September 6, 7.5 p.m. Robinson was scouting when the searchlights revealed the Zeppelin. He followed the invader for twenty minutes, and signalled the antl-air-craft gunners to stop firing. The intrepid airman narrowly escaped the flaming debris after dropping the fatal bomb. Robinson, who is 31 years of age, was born in India, and obtained his certificate last year. He visited the wreckage after his feat and was presented with the iron cross found therein. Robinson earned £3500 in prizes for bringing down the first Zeppelin in Britain. The inquest disclosed that the members of the crew were very young.