The New York herald., 1921-09-27
ATTACKS FROM AIR
PROVE IRRESISTIBLE
Destruction of Alabama by
1000 Pound Bomb De-
scribed by Expert.
SINKS IN 80 SECONDS
SINKS IN 80 SECONDS
No Modern Dreadnought
Could Have Withstood
Salvos, Says Fullam.
VICTORY FOR AIRPLANE
Coasts Of America and Her
Possessions Can Be Made
Safe, Admiral's Opinion.
BY w. r. rULLAM,

ny W.
Rear Admiral, U. 8. N, (Retired). i.
Special Despatch to THE NEw YonK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington. ID. c., Sept. 20.
The battleship Alabama was sunk at
noon to-day by Martin bombers from
-Four planes left the field, each carry
Ing one 1000 pound bomb. and three
additional planes followed, each carry
Ing two 1.100 pound bombs. The 1000
pound bombs were dropped singly and
the 1,100 pound bombs were released
two at time.
The planes manmuvred and fred
from height Of $500 feet. The first
1000 pound bomb struck the water
near the ship abaft the beam. The
Alabama was thrown over at an angle
OF As degrees and went down by the
stern in thirty seconds. resting on the
bottom of the bay with her upper
works above water.
Inasmuch as the six LOO pound
bombs were dropped in pairs and the
four 1000 Founders singly there were
seven distinct salvos in the attack.
with four direct hits. a very big rer-
centage. The last of the 100 pound
ers struck the Alabama amidships and
completely wrecked the whole central
citadel between the two masts. Both
smokepipes were blown down and the
foremast was bent over In a curve,
with it's top in the water.
No Ship Could Survive Attack.
In her present condition the Alabama
appears to be much worse wreck than
the Indiana, which has been a target for
guns and bombs for many months. It is
childish to attempt to discount this re-
suit by saying the Alabama is an old
ship. No modern dreadnought could
have survived this attack.
As regards accuracy. the record Of
this last attack is remarkable in that
all OF the ten bombs struck within the
danger zone-that is within distance
that would have seriously injured the
ship, either above or below water.
The experiment to-day ends the bomb
ing tests for the time being. The 1000
pound bomb Is being prepared at Aber-
deem. however. and as soon as II is ready
1t will be sent to Langley Field. 1t is
planned to send two planes. one with the
1000 FOUNDER and the other with two
1000 pound bombs, and drop them on
or near the Alabama to give an idea of
the probable effect Of such an explosion
upon the hull Of modern dreadnought.
IT will be the first experiment in naval
history with q bomb of such size.
Despite all efforts OF conservative
forces to minimize the Importance of the
Alabama experiments. II may be said
that they corroborate the results OF the
tests against the German ships and fur
nish much additional information OF the
utmost value to the country.
The officers and men at Langley
Field, under the leadership OF Gen.
Mitchell and Col. Milling. have made a
record Of skill and devotion to duty that
merits the highest commentator. The
conditions have been difficult and dis
coura ging in the extreme. Many skilled
officers and men have been transferred
or discharged of late and the available
force has been so reduced that those re-
naming have been compelled to work
night and day. 1t was the intention to
sink the Alabama at night. but the ne
cessity of completing all experiments at
an early date and the physical impos-
sibility of working the men night and
day compelled change of plan. Judg-
Ing. however. from the success of the
night tests with small bombs. we may
be sure that the record Of to-days bomb
Ing with heavy projectilcs would have
been practically equalled at night.
In closing II should be remembered
that these important results that must
logically and seriously affect our mill
tary and naval policy have been attained
by the efforts of few officers and men
of the Army Air Service with old and
Inferior material. crude sights, and In
spite of many obstacles and discourage
ments.
The evidence Is overwhelming that an
efficient air force in conjunction with
submarines. torpedoes and mines will
suffice to protect the coast OF the United
States and its foreign possessions as
we'll against invasion and against the
attack OF any hostile fleet that could be
brought against this country.