Crittenden record-press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1909-191?, 1917-11-29
CAPTURED Yep IS
A WONDER CRAFT
French and American officers
Make Thorough Investigation
OF Machine.
WHEEL WOUNDED TO SCENE
Several Hundred Americans, Com.
manded by an Aviation Officer, Are
Learning Airplane construe.
tIcn In Practical Way.


Field Headquarters of the Ameri-
can Army In France.-The stray Yep
pelln, Lao, that was downed by the
French near Bourbonne-les- Balns,
while trying to get back 10 Its base,
was 800 feet long and the envelope
was 60 feet in diameter.
French and American officers made
n thorough examination of the great
craft, but the civilians were held
back by ropes that were stretched
around the dirigible.
The gondolas are connected by
Cleated cOck-walk and the whole con-
struction OF the craft was said by
her examiners to be wonderful. The
outer cover is of delicate texture,
double rlveted and soldered. She was
equipped with a wireless outfit.
Gun in Each Gondola.
The machinery Is highly compli-
Gated and the driving motors were
equipped with II cylinders. There
was machine gun in each Of the
gondolas and the rear one was
equipped with hnmmocks for the
crew. Apparently, however, the for
ward gondola was fitted up as
cabin for the commander The lower
portion was painted black and the
upper part dull gray On one side
was painted small iron cross.
There were no bullet holes visible
in the craft, but the forward gondola
had been wrecked In descent.
II has already been suggested that
the craft he sent to the Invalides
Palace In Paris.
After inspecting the balloon the
American officers were returning to
town just as the Zeppelin's prison
cred crew was being transported
through the crowded streets.
The commanding lieutenant looked
dOwnhearted and disguised. Another
officer was typical old Prusslan
non-com with a scar on his nose as
though made by sword welt. The
men we're well built and wore leath-
er jackets.
1t was reported here that another
Zeppelin was captured several kilo-
meters away when the forward gon-
dola crashed into tree, dumping
part Of the crew TO the ground. The
Zeppelin, relieved Of this load. then
rose, tilted unsteadlly and caught
fire.
The Zeppelin brought down intact
near here carried only incendiary
bombs, apparently for the purpose Of
self-destruction in the event Of cup
ture. All the explosives evidently
had been dropped In England.
The French evidenced the greatest
interest in the prize. and many
wounded were wheeled to the scen'
in chairs.
Learn to Make Planes.
Several hundred Americans, com
handed by an aviation officer, arr
learning alrplane construction II
the most practical way possible n
n French camp few hours ride
from General Billiards. student avl
ntion school.
Eronch planes Of all types wrecked
O. damaged at the front are shipped
TO this camp and are taken apnr
ny the Americans under French in
strnc,Qfs. They are learning how 4
make repairs and to build new mo
tors as well. Each student spends
half { day learning the theory o
sirphnc construction and the othe
half In actual shop practice tnklni
down motors Of all types and rebuild
ing them.
The French instructors frequent,
remove 4 piece Of the mechanism ant
ton usk the American what Is miss
ing H''0'hr instruction Is given II
assembling machines. When mi
educational training Is completed III
men enter the factory. where ma
chimes are built until they are eS
perts in all lines Of alrplnne con
structlon ana repair.
m CnIT DIIuC INrn nrMEOrDIt