Grand Forks daily herald. (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1914-1916, 1914-11-10
Service by Airmen.


that French aeroplanes are never
seen above the French lines while
many machines of the enemy are con-
stantly accommodating over the heads
Of the French soldiers. has brought
forth a defensive official explanation
of the operations of the French avia.
ton service. .s.-.s.s -. $50 .....s-
This report sets forth that French
av1ators are operating not only over
the German lines but considerably to
the rear of them. The names of avia-
tors are never mentioned officially but
their exploits have been none the less
numerous and brilliant.
Notebooks found on dead Germans.
the statement sets forth. proves that
the French aviation service Is per-
forming Its duty. One instance Of the
effectiveness of the corps is found in
the throwing of one bomb which kill
ed 80 men and SO horses of the enemy
at a time when a certain detachment
of cavalry was assembling. Many
other instances of efficient work are
given. In conclusion, the statement
says that this new arm Of the service
has fulfilled successfully the promises
made for it but that it will never re.
place any weapon now in use.
Few Battles in Air.
Air battles between important con-
tingents of flying machines might
minds. but they have been lacking. In
a few cases aeroplanes have been in
conflict and two instances have been
reported in which three machines
engaged but these combats were mere
incidents to the real mission Of the
aeroplane as it has developed in active
service-that of the auxiliary to other
arms Of the service, more particularly
the artillery.
This service to the civilians is OBJ
scure enough. 1t is rendered more SO
by the rigid censorship, but from
wounded soldiers and prisoners is
gathered sufficient evidence of the
great value of this auxiliary service
and the published orders of the day
occasionally give instances which
show great heroism on the part of the
French airmen.
The inquiry is frequently heard.
Where are the great airmen?" Noth-
ing has been heard from Paulham.
the hero of the English tour from
L. London to Manchester Colbert, Brind-
eJonc Des Moulinais Garros, Vedrines,
aviators from whom wonders
were expected. and who have, so far
SIS the general public Is concerned,
played a rather effaced role in the
war They have not been the less ac-
tive it seems and bit by bit news Is
gathered of their service, which is re-
suits, if it is not satisfying to those
who look for dramatic and romantic
exploits.
What Men Have Done.
Extracts from the diaries Of Ger
man prisoners testify to the efficiency
Of the French machines.
From the diary of the non-commis-
several men of my detachment.
by bombs thrown by French
aviator" Z,
From the diary Of German aviator,
The seventh company of the Third
regiment Of the government had eight
killed and 20 wounded by bombs by .
French aeroplane."
From a soldiers diary: "An officer
showed us torn coat taken from one
of so soldiers wounded by bombs FROM
French aeroplane.'
From diary Of an officer: IN
bomb from a French airship wound.
ed several men of the 73rd infantry
In the region of Rheims"
Information from a German pris-
oner: "a French aeroplane killed
four horses Of a battery with q bomb"
Information from prisoner: Near
Neuville an aeroplane bomb dropped
on q supply train, killed four men,
six and killed q considerable
Of horses.
It was recently announced semi-of.
ficially that as the result of the mane
oeuvress Of, aeroplanes. the star Of
6cers OF one German regiment WeHH
Obliged to- change their position.
In recent citations In orders OF the
day. the following aviators ara found
Radot, lieutenant aviator
observer. distinguished himself bysth0
precision and details of insS
killed By enemy IN tho hatS
tie OF tho AAfa0s Watour. aAronlan0s