Smyrna times., 1924-10-22

rectlon. By radio the ZR-3 inquired
the steamers position, and reply was
received indicating that we had drift.
ed about sixty miles southwark Of
our assumed position. Course was
accordingly changed and at 11.4O Sar
Miguel Island was sighted on the port
bow.
"At 2.20 we reached the south
eastern end of Terceira Island, anC
traversed its south coast. After leav-
ing Tercevia, the ship was driven to a
height of about 5000 feet, in order ia
lift the safety valves and lose lifting
gas to compensate for the loss of
weight of gasoline used.
Gas Cell Tears
During this maneuver something
happened which must be carefully
watched during all such maneuvers.
Upon returning to flying height, which
was at this time above 1000 feet, a
rip about two feet long was discover
ed IN the lower part of one of the gas
cells. This was Immediately repaired
and the result was nothing worse than
a small amount of air finding its way
into the cell to mix with the hydrogen
and reduce its purity. If, however,
the hole had been larger or had not
been so soon discovered, enough air
might have found its way into
the cell to form a dangerous mixture
OF gas and also to reduce the lifting
power OF the cell. 1t is therefore
standard practice to have men care
fully inspect the bottoms of the gas
cells-the only part they can see
during each considerable gain or loss
of altitude by the airship.
"At height of 5000 feet, down to
1000 feet, we were approaching Pico
Island, and all we could see of the
island was its peak, triangular in out
line, projecting above the clouds.
From 3.20 we were passing through
and over the island of the Azores.
Calamity overlook US caller in the
day. The wash water gave out. We
have joined the ranks of the unwash-
ed and unshaven. The commissarv
promises to ration sufficient water
for shave just before landing-if
we land soon enough. He is mean
while furnishing good, hot meals and
we are at least we'll fed. We are well
housed, too, and anyone who will
make couple of trips a day through
the corridor from the tip of the nose
back and down to the depths of the
lower fin need not complain of lack
of exercise.
The night Of the thirteenth was
marked by adverse winds of consid-
cradle strength. As soon as weather
reports came in, next morning, it was
decided to head up to the northwest.
In the meanwhile a steamer seen on
the horizon was asked for her posi-
ton, and the ZR-3 found herself. ac-
cording to the steamer, about one
hundred and twenty miles to the
northward of her assumed position. |
Communication was also established |
with the cruiser Detroit and with all |
the available data as a guide the |
course was laid northwest.
Al about half past 9 we passed |
directly above the steamer Robert
Dollar. She hoisted her number in
flags and ran up the British ensign. |
The ZR-3 then began to, climb and
rose TO a height of about eight thou
sand. feet. This was to lift the safe
~ valves again. The result was about
> per cent loss of hydrogen from the
gas cells, leaving them 50 per cent
full. About half Of the fuel supply
still remains, enough for 80 hours
with four of the five engines
at 1850 RPM, which gives about s.
knots.
"The trip above the clouds gave
relief from the summer
temperature we have had. 1t was IS
legrees in the cabin last night and
continued warm today. Early in the
afternoon fog was encountered and
or several hours the ship ran close
o the surface of the sea, the better
o judge the direction and force of
he wind by observing the waves.
men She cllmDed above the fog, which
vas only five or six hundred feet high
md ran thus until darkness obscured
he surroundings. We felt SYM
'athy for the vessels in that fog; we
lave been there, in surface ships, our
selves, and this fog extended over
100 miles.
"When | came on watch, last mid
light, the ZR-3 was skirting the
southeast coast of Nova Scotia. 1t
vas a cold, bright night, a decided
hange from the night before. At
10 a. m, Seal Island was passed and
he ship headed across the Gulf of
Maine toward Boston. The position
vas occasionally checked by bearings I
rom radio compass stations along the
hOre.
"Canp Cod TiUbt Itoe naesad ,lo,,,, |