The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-12-17

~ tue Hcdd OF HpHllHp iolCc. iiC
received no assistance from the out
side after the world war started in
August. 1911. Yet he managed his
force in such way as to keep it loyal
10 him and in fighting trim, although
reduced in numbers with each success
sivc engagement.
Toward the end, the campaign in
Africa took on the character of que
rilla warfare. Gcu. FOrbeek would
strike at some point where the Allied
line was weak aud make a getaway,
taking with him such quantities of
supplies equipment and ammunition
as he could capture. 1t was only by
making successful raids of this kind
that DC was allie to offer any resistance
toward the end,
His success SO impressed the au-
thoritics in Germany that decision
was reached to attempt his rescue by
Zeppelin. Arrangements were made
in advance and landing place was
designated by Gen. Forbeck for the
lreScuing Zeppelin. which was in con
stant touch with him through a high
| powered wireless station after it
! started on its way from southern Bull
garia, the nearest convenient point.
The plan was simply to get Gen For
| beck aboard and take him to Bulgaria
whence he could make his way to Ger
many and his abilities be utilized in
more promising fields. The Zeppelin
/ did not carry any considerable supply
of munitions or equipment for the Ger
man force in Africa.
/ 30 far as known. the Zeppelin de-
parted from Bulgaria, crossed the Med
/ iterranCan sea and passed between the
Sucz canal and the River Nile. crossed
the Red sea and coasted down the West
/ African coast, ultimately reaching
South African territory and thence pro-
ceeding 10 Germany East Africa and
/ Portuguese East Africa.
The British military authorities had
been appraised of the trip of the Yep
peln. 1t had been observed crossing
the Mediterranean and at later stages
lof its journey. The Zeppelin was held
ON its course to some extent, experts
believe, by the constant flow of mes
sagrs from the German high powered
radio station.
Before the big aircraft reached the
point designated for landing. both the
radio station and the landing place had
been captured by the British forces
/ Having no knowledge of any Other
suitable landing place, and being out
of wireless touch with Gen Forbeek
the commander Of the Zeppelin turned
around and headed for Bulgaria. .Just
where the turn was made is not known
here 1t is assumed that some fina
message was flashed from the radio
station warning the Zeppelin Of it,
impending capture and the fact thai
tho prepared landing place was in tn,
hands of the enemy
The zeppelin according to best
available information travelled large
~ over Central Africa on its return
voyage. Il was sighted few times
en- route back, and was distinctly Oh
served passing over the Mediterranean
ON the homcward journey the Yep
lpasscd to the right of the Nile and no
between II and the Sucz canal. In fac
il followed an entirely new route mos
of the way back, presumably steerin!
10y compass.
Experts who have faith in the rigi,
type IL lightcr-than-ai flying Graf
point TO this Zeppelin voyage a. ab,o
lutc proof of its value from militar,
standpoint
That the British Air Ministry /
fully convinced of the value of tn
rigid type of Gghter-than-air craft j
attcstcd by the fact that several ar
now IN operation and Others arc undc
construction, including at least fou
Zcppelins, which are copies of Ger
man "hoat brought down in a raj
on London
The crew of the Zeppelin set it afr
immediately on landing. The flame
consumed the gas bag instantly, bu
left the frame work little damaged
a crew Of experts went 10 work a
once and prepared a full set of spec
iications down to the last detail
Four craft of this type were undo
construction at one time in England
i and the first two should be now III
: dergoing their tests.
y There is a popular notion in thi
|, country ANA generally throughout III
J. world that the Germans stopped usin
e Icppclins because they proved of lttl
value rs II military instrument. Til
y view Is declared by experts here to i
7, wholly erroneous.
information reaching Washin2to
i t. the effect that the Zeppelin. use
. y air raids on London and other Ems
= lislr cities performed highly valuabl
military service for The enemy.
These raids began at time whc
England was stsaining every nerve /
get men and guns 10 France to hcl
= stem the German tide They had II
effect Of holding a large number {
troops ~ England 70 fight the aerii
a raidcrs. This force has been estimate
IS high * 100000 men. In additio
hundreds Of guns were held in Englan
to fight the Zeppclins.
: The material damage done was n,
great. Perhaps 900 lives were snufrc
out by the Zeppelin bombs. and al
> other 5000 persons suffered iniurie
But. meanwhile, troops badly needed
France and guns quite as badly nee
- ed were held in England.
ISlHTp RpEipf For