Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 284, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1914 — PHANTOM BATTLE IN AIR MARKS DIRIGIBLE'S END [ARTICLE]

PHANTOM BATTLE IN AIR MARKS DIRIGIBLE'S END

Mow “Republique" Went to Her End Graphically Described by Writer.

BOMBS DROP FROM CLOUDS

Terror-Stricken Citizens See French Machine Burst Into Flames After Spectacular Fight, Then Go Out In Dkrkneaa and Night.

The following word picture portraying a phantom night battle between airships, and the terror of a municipality under an aerial bomb attack, comes from Berlin, although it was written on the scene described herein. Owing to the strict European censorship, however, the coirespondent was not permitted to give the name of the town about Which he writes so graphically.

Berlin.—The little French town la lying asleep. It can do bo in safety, because the patrols are awake. But on the other side of the mountain there is no sleep. The place is humming like a beehive. But there Is perfect order. Every one is at his place. They are preparing for the march. Patrols have returned with the report that the plain is free from the enemy. The little town Is the place they mean to march to. They think the empty. The fact that the French had come in had not been made known. They came out of the foreßt, through which they marched during the night; and early in the morning they marched in, hidden by the vineyards. Now the town is a small camp. Every house a fortress. The superior officers have taken up their quarters In the city hall. AH lights are out The mayor asks: “Why?” ' He is told: * “Because the Germans have airships” The mayor makes the sign of the cross. He-has heard of the Zeppelin. “But we also have airships,” the mayor says.

The French captain nods: "One of them will go up this night. It will fly over- the hills to visit them over there.”

At night the officers are entertained by the town. All townfolks of distinction are present. The notary makes a passionate speech about the brave army. The colonel thanks him in the name of his comrades. He speaks highly of the town and its hospitality.

Two hours later, only the men on guard are still on their legs. But the mayor did not go to bed; also, the clergymen and notary are waiting. What for? For the Republique. > This is the famous aeroplane of which the captain spoke. <- Night Dark and Windy.

The sky is dark and overcast with thick clouds. Only from time to time be dim light of the moon steals through these dense masses. But quickly it grows dark again. The wind whistles through the forest and through the vineyards into the town, banging shutters and doors. Where is the Republique? The townsfolk have been waiting now fbr an hour, with' their eyes fixed on the dark sky—but nothing—nothing. Now they hear a peculiar noise resounding through the darkness from above. They stretch their necks. But their eyes are unable to penetrate the darkness. They listen intently. The humming and buzzing become more distinct It sounds $s if a glgantlo bird were rapidly moving forward on his wings. Now they see something—or do they only believe they see it?—floating thrpugh the air like a torpedo. The French mayor would like -to shout for joy. “Vive la Republique!" „ " Now the buzzing has turned into rattling and crackling. It seems to the mayor as if he saw small lights, flickering, extinguishing and flaring up again. Now all has disappeared again in the darkness; only the bus-

sing still is heard —the heavy stroke of the wings of the gigantic bird.

But behind the mountain the Germans are on the lookout The guards at the aviation post don’t know sleep. The eyes of the officer at the telegraph are as bright now as at noon. Now a spark and the writing lever splutters dashes —dots. He has sighted the Republique! A shrill whistled signal gives the alarm in the station.

The Republique must not pass over the mountain. They will try to catch her or drive her back at least. Brief commands are given—precise instruction#, A few minutes later a heavy biplane stands ready to start ’ A short examination of the wires and supports, then the pilot and observer take their places. The motor is started, the apparatus staggers in wid& jumps over the ground, and suddenly it shoots up with a last powerful pull. It. disappears into the dark. The compass needle shows the way. They fly higher and higher; the ridges of the mountain become visible as a long, dark strip. Now/ the biplane passes over them in smooth flight It keeps in the dark. The wind Mowb against it The apparatus goes still higher. ' Now the moon breaks through the clouds for a moment, giving a quickly disappearing track of light, enough to show the Republique at a distance.

The enemy is discovered. Now caution and courage are needed. Perhaps the French airmen have likewise seen the German. Then there will be a life and death struggle. But as a matter of fact the Republique has no warning of the approach of the German biplane, which is flying as wist as an arrow, going higher and ever faster. Like two birds of prey swooping upon one another they come. The biplane is more easily handled. The-ob-server looks into the darkness with sharp eyes; the apparatus moves forward in roaring and rushing flight Where Is the. Republique? Hurls Bombs on Town. jo Another hour passes. Then the German biplane is directed earthward. Below lies the little town like a dot. The apparatus descends lower and lower. The searchlight sends a flash over the ground like lightning. The mayor, who has not yet gone to bed, hastens to the window. Another flash of light. He looks up, sees only a shadow. But they in the aeroplane have seen enough—men and guns. And now something falls down from the height, like a stone, noli aimed, but yet a hit. The missile' bursts, a fire sheaf throws up sparks, splinters, cracking. The mayor starts back, thunderstruck, cries, rushes out Flames break out on the market; more cries; walls fall into ruins; the people are bewildered. Soldiers receive commands. Now shots go whizzing up toward the German biplane. j Another bomb is thrown to the ground, causing death and destruction, and leaving paralyzing horror.' The German biplane, however, has disappeared in the aerial ocean. It is in full flight. It tries to come up witn the Republique. It ascends in a wide curve. Suddenly there is a buzzing noise before It. It must be the Frenchman. It seems that he got lost in the dark. A yell of triumph escapes the observer. The apparatus mounts quickly in a spiral curve. Indeed, it is the Republique!

The German airship Victoria now is like a hawk, measuring the distance. Now the searchlight plays, and it sends flashes of light over the Republique. Bombs are thrown. The observer watches them in the quick light One sinks into the night; another one also; but the third one makes a hit— It strikes the stern!

The Republique, unable to fly over the enemy, moves along with diminishing speed. Now the Victoria is preparing for the finishing stroke. It swoops down like an eagle, sure of its prey. The airship seems to stand on end. And now bomb after bomb drops down with almost mathematical exactness. The Republique groans and writhes from her gaping wounds. She is mortally hurt. The linen covering the wings hang about the rods like flesh cut to shred. Now it blazes up—a gigantic firework. Then the French airship goes out in darkness and night!