Developments are moving rapidly. Great efforts
are being centred upon the evolution of more formidable missiles
to be launched from the clouds. The airman is destined to
inspire far greater awe than at present, to exercise a still more
demoralising influence, and to work infinitely more destruction.
CHAPTER XI
ARMOURED AEROPLANES
The stern test of war has served to reveal conclusively the fact
that aerial craft can be put out of action readily and
effectively, when once the marksman has picked up the range,
whether the gunner be conducting his operations with an anti-
aircraft gun stationed upon the ground, or from a hostile
machine. It will be remembered that Flight-Commander Briggs, on
the occasion of the daring British raid upon the Zeppelin sheds
at Friedrichshafen, was brought to the ground by a bullet which
penetrated his fuel tank. Several other vessels, British,
German, French, and Russian alike, have been thrown out of action
in a similar manner, and invariably the craft which has been
disabled suddenly in this way has fallen precipitately to earth
in the fatal headlong dive.
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