en the spokes of light without being observed. By descending to a
comparatively low altitude the pilot was able to pick up the objective.

Three projectiles were discharged in rapid succession and then the
searchlights, being concentrated, struck the airship, revealing its
presence to the troops below. Instantly a spirited fusillade broke out.
The airmen, by throwing ballast and other portable articles overboard
pell-mell, rose rapidly, pursued by the hostile shells.

In the upward travel the bomb-thrower decided to have a parting shot.
The airship was steadied momentarily to enable the range to be taken,
the automatic detonator was set going and the bomb slipped into the
launching tube. But for some reason or other the missile jambed.

The situation was desperate. In a few seconds the bomb would burst and
shatter the airship. The bomb-thrower grabbed a tool and climbing into
the rigging below hacked away at the bomb-throwing tube until the whole
equipment was cut adrift and fell clear of the vessel. Almost instantly
there was a terrific explosion in mid-air. The blast of air caused the
vessel to roll and pitch in a disconcerting manner, but as the airman
permitted the craft to continue its upward course unchecked, she soon
steadied herself and was brought under control once more.

The bomb carried by aeroplanes differs consider ably from that used by
dirigibles, is smaller and more convenient to handle, though considering
its weight and size it is remarkably destructive. In this instance
complete reliance is placed upon detonation by impact. The latest types
of British war-plane bombs have been made particularly formidable, those
employed in the "raids in force" ranging up to 95 pounds in weight.

The type of bomb which has proved to be the most successful is
pear-shaped. The tail spindle is given an arrow-head shape, the vanes
being utilised to steady the downward flight of the missile. In falling
the bomb spins round, the rotating speed increasing as the projectile
gathers velocity. The vanes act as a guide, keeping the projectile in as
vertical a plane as possible, and ensuring that the rounded head shall
strike the ground. The earlier types of bombs were not fitted with these
vanes, the result being that sometimes they turned over and over as they
fell through the air, while more often than not they failed to explode
upon striking the ground.

The method of launching the bomb also varies considerably, experienc