New Britain herald., 1919-07-07

Mineola, N. Y, July 7.-Lieut Col Frederick W. Lucas, of the Royal Air Force, in charge of landing arrange ments for the R-34, at 9:30 a. m. to- | day denied that there had been any change of plan for the departure of the big British dirigible. He said the 1 overseas start positively would not be 1 made today.
 Will Take Southern Route. On her return trip to her base in Scotland the RIA will take the south- ern course, leaving the United States at some middle Atlantic port and heading directly for Spain. This an- nouncement, and the further state7 ment that the craft would leave her anchorage at Roosevelt field here at o'clock tomorrow (Tuesday) morn ing on her homeward flight, were de- cided upon last night by Major G. H. Scott, commander of the dirigible. Balloon Tips in Air.
 In order to relieve the 400 soldiers of the seventh United States balloon company who were straining at the anchor ropes of the R-34 during an electrical and wind storm last night, the big bag was raised to obviate the danger of damage from wind During this operation rope releasing water ballast from an aft compartment was released by accident and the rear of the big shot up into the air to an al- titude of some 400 feet while her nose was only 200 feet above the field. The RIA remained in this position throughout the night and caused Ma Jor Scott to return to the field early today to distribute the water ballast in the bag to bring her to an even keel again. Adjustm ents of the bal last had to be accomplished before the heat of the sun caused the gas in the bag to expand.
 Needed Weather Reports.
 Memb bers of the crew who remained here last night explained the failure of the RIA to receive proper weather reports caused her to run into two storms off Newfoundland. The weather reports picked up were from the vii cinity of the Azores, while those from the north Atlantic region were very vague. With reports telling of the storm area some 200 miles north by northeast of the circle of Newfound- land the R-34, it was said, would have altered her course to north of the circle of wind and proceeded over ct Scotia coast and thereby would have avoided the storm between Newfound- land and Nova Scotia.
 A weather report received at the field from Washington early today said
 That weather will become clear by Monday morning and remain clear during the succeeding 4S hours. Wind l,n and will not exceed 20 miles per hour. Advise proba ble time of return trip so that forecast can be made accord ingly."
 Balloon Is Damaged.
 Mlneola, N. ". July 7.-The R-34 was torn from her mooring rope this morning by a violent gust of wind. The cross girder to which the rope was attached broke under the strain, ripping a hole six feet by three feet in the gas bag. The giant dirigible was saved from being blown away by 300 men, who seized ropes hanging from her sides and held her down with great difficulty.
 The breeze stiffened as the sun rose and the American army balloon me chanics had all they could do to hold the mammoth airship. AS she svayed in the wind the clinging men were swept off their feet in relays
 Ovcrhauling Work Rushed.
 The officers in charge of the craft ordered the work of overhauling rushed in order that she could start on her return vokage at the earliest possible moment in view of the dan ger to which she was exposed. This is the fisst time the super-ZepDeIin