A FOG DRAMA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 256, 29 October 1932, Page 3

A FOG DRAMA

lost aeroplanes PRINCE GEORGE’S PLIGHT INCIDENT WITH THE FLEET. The whole atmosphere in which the exercises of tho Alediterranean Fleet aro being conducted changed with dramatic suddenness one afternoon, writes the London Daily Telegraph special representative with the Fleet. We had left Corfu at half-past. oue. In all ships in this wonderful Fleet of more than fifty vessels preparations began at once for what promised to be a most interesting programme. Impressively, while we were steaming lino ahead, Queen Elizabeth drew out to transfer tho Prince of Wales and Prince George to Glorious. Tho flying deck of the aircraft carrier, because of its great length, breadth, and smoothness, looked like an arterial road. On it were assembled for inspection officers, bluejackets, marines, and airmen. When thc Priiye of Wales had pcr-

formed this duty the deck was cleared. On enormous lifts were raised the aeroplanes to take their plave in closely-packed rows in readiness for flying off. Eighteen of them, Blackburn Ripons, that carry torpedies, had their engines started. In succession they took off for a raid that was to be made on the Fleet. Then came two Fairey 111 F machines. One with the Vice-Admiral’s flag on the, starboard strut and thc Air Marshal’s flag on the port strut was for the Prince of Wales. The other was for Prince George. The machines took off splendidly, iThey wore followed by many others [needed for the operations, until there were thirty-five in the air. Helpless Pilots. Thc Princes were making their flights for thc purpose of watching the attack at close quarters. The attack was of a thrilling kind, although visibility became poor toward the end, and in striking contrast to thc brilliant sunshine of tho preceding hour. From all directions the torpedo-car-riers dived on to the cleverly-defended Fleet, and this, notwithstanding numerous attacks on thc Ripons by Fighters. Then, just as all was over and thc air machines wore coming back to land on Glorious, came a really dramatic development. Fog rolled up from nowhere. There had not been the slightest indication of it in the meteorological forecasts, and it led to a situation causing considerable anxiety. But with a skill and promptness of judgment FlightLieutenant Kennedy, who was piloting the Prince of Wales’ machine, swooped down and landed.

Even as he did so the fog was creeping on to the deck of thc aircraft carrier. He had only just touched the deck when the whole vessel was enshrouded. It was imposible for any other machine to land. With dismay thc situation was realised, for still in the air were thirty-four machines, and one of them contained Prince George whoso pilot was Flight-Lieutenant Constable Roberts. The pilots were quite helpless. They could not see the ship, which had been enveloped as if by magic. Hero wore practically all the machines of the Glorious quite unable to get buck, and no one knew how long tho fog might last. On Glorious, however, thc Navy showed once again what. it. can do in sudden emergency. There were serious faces, but not thc slightest sign of alarm. Sailing Through Fog. Thoroughly unexpected though the situation was, it was met instantly with resource. Steam ahead was thc order given. Captain C. E. Kennedy Purvis had decided to pass riglit (through the zone of fog in the hope of getting back into tho sunshine. I The siren was sounded, tho vertical searchlights wore switched on, ai" look-outs were posted. Tho foe showed no signs of lifting, and with the utmost caution Glorious went slowly overhead. Aleanwhiie all thc pilots overhead were circling, and con tinuallv iho noise from their engine! could be heard. Wireless came to the rescue. Com munication was established with Prince George’s machine and with others. The great, majority were able to got int( tho brilliant sunshine above tho f<q and to fly around waiting for bottei condi I ions. 'l'he minutes sped by without any relief. After more than half nn houi | had gone by the situation developer 'into one of anxiety, for tho petrol the aeroplanes carried was being used up lObviouslv if something did not happer

fairly quickly the machines would be compellel to make forced landings on the water.

Prince George’s machine was not in this category. Its fuel supply was good for more than three hours, but even this would be unavailing if the fug did not lift or Courageous find a zone of sunshine. Plans were made therefore for the landing if nc’ccssary of as many machines as possible at any points they could find on tho nearest shore. All conversant with the dangers waited with anxiety. Then sharp eyes detected a change. Thc fog was clearing. Tho news proved correct. The white mantle gradually moved, and as it did so hundreds of eyes anxiously peered skywards. All other interests had become subservient to the safety of Prince George and the other occupants of the machines somewhere overhead. “Here He Is!” Dimly in thc distance the Fairer machine containing Prince George was sighted. It came into view quite suddenly, and there was a «cry of “Here he is! ” A really tense period was over. It had lasted for about three-quarters of an hour. I Thc machine, rushing down to the deck of the carrier and piloted with all the skill of these offeers of the Navy, touched the long deck. As its speed decreased, aircraftsmen dashed forward to help in bringing it to a standstill. No time could be wasted t<» delay the machines that were ready to follow. At all costs they must be given facilities to alight in case the fog should descend once more. In a few moments Prince George came on deck. He was cool and smiling as he removed his flying helmet and loosened the white spotted scarf that ho was wearing. It had been a thrilling enough adventure for anyone, but it left him as calm as the captain and officers of Glorious, who rose to thc occasion with all the resource of tho Royal Navy. Now aeroplanes that had been lost in the fog began to dot the sky in full view, all read»to come on to the deck of the aircraft-carrier as opportunity offered. Immediately each one landed it was whisked on to the lift platform and hurried below into tho hangar in order that tho lift might be sent to the top in readiness for the next arrival. Ono ma'cliino was about to land, and at tho last moment tho pilot had to switch on engine power and rise again, because thc lift had not quite reached the top. There was a great holo instead of a level deck. Jn perfect safety all machines returned, to the relief not only of all aboard Glorious, but of thc rest of the Fleet, who had followed with keen interest all that had happened. They had had their own troubles in the fog in attempting to avert n Collision. A great adventure was over, alid a sudden cmcrgeney successfully ov<*rcome.