Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-07-07
Sent S. O. S. Calls

With the R-34 long overdue at its
destination. with its petrol supply
running low and buffeted by strong
headwinds. Major Scott decided yes
terday while over the Bay Of Fundy
to send wireless call to the Am
erican navy department to be pre-
pared to give assistance If it were
needed. This was merely a measure
of precaution and did not indicate
encouragement. While destroyers and
submarine chasers were racing to
her assistance. the R-34 was plugging
steadily ahead on the way to Mine
ola. Once clear of the Bay of Fundy
the atmospheric hoodoo which had
beset the craft from the time it took
the air was gradually left in it's wake.
The R-34 headed southwest out
across the Atlantic along the coast
Of Maine, her nose pointed for Cape
Cod, with the United States destroy
er Bancroft hanging on her tail and
in constant wireless communication
with her. The bulldog navy craft
stuck close in the wake of the air
monster. running under forced draft.
until Cape Cod was reached and
then the dirigible cut across lots.
1t had been decided on the voyage
along the coast that unless a favor
ing wind came up the R-34 would te
forced to land at Montauk Point,
and early this morning a wireless
message was sent out to this effect
The trouble left behind, however.
fortune finally favored the balloon
and the wind veered in her favor.
Headed straight for Montauis Point,
she ran true and before the tip end
Of Long Island was reached it was
decided to go on to Mineola. With
the goal almost in sight the R-34
flew majestically above the island
and headed straight down the center
Of it for Roosevelt Field. 100 miles
away.
AS she cruised over Riverhead, the
dirigible came within range Of he
wireless telephone installed at
Roosevelt Field by the Naval radio
service and perfect communication
was established. During the night
the wireless calls from the R-s4
were received by the Navy radio
station in New York.
Over the wireless telephone it was
explained to Major Scott that a
large part Of the crew assembled 70
assist in landing had been sent to
Montauk Point in motor trucks N
the expectation that he would tie up
there and that consequently prepare
tions for receiving him had not
quite been completed.
The mammoth balloon, looking
like a huge flying fish, was sighted
in the distance about 9 o'clock and
fifteen minutes later was over
Roosevelt Field. She cruised about m
a circle at a height Of about 1,00C
feet until word was telephoned that
everything was in readiness for the
landing.
While the R-A was circling the
field, Major Pritchard jumped of
with parachute. He landed safe
ly near headquarters and smilinSfy
hurried indoors before an ambulance,
that had been rushed to the scene.
could reach him. This was nearly
one-half hour before the dirisible
came to anchor.
Lieutenant Hoyt. U. 8. NJ. the
ground officer. had assembled on the
field force Of more than 500 soldier:
and sailors ready for instant acton
as the R-34 circled lower ana 49,
When she was only 200 feet aoose 'ne
ground the huge hawser was fes Ko
s nnaer her nose. British non
.ovar,ssioned officers with American
e,S,srs and sailors shouted glesfuily
81 they seized the rope.
TT en- water ballast was dropped
CONTINUED on PAGE +column 81