In the excitement of the aerial melee the
first French aeroplane had been forgotten. It was now scarcely
100 feet above the German artillery. A capture appeared to be
imminent, but the Germans received a rude surprise. Suddenly the
aeroplane exploded and a hail of shrapnel burst over the heads of
the artillerymen.
The circumstance was decidedly uncanny, but after two or three
such experiences of exploding aeroplanes the matter was
explained. The apparently helpless aeroplane was merely a
glider, which, instead of carrying a man, had a booby-trap
aboard.
It appears that the French airmen have found a use for the
aeroplanes which are considered unsafe for further use. The
motor and propeller are removed and the dummy of explosives is
strapped into position. The laden glider is then taken aloft by
means of an airship, and in the concealment of the clouds is
released, the rudder being so set as to ensure a gradual
vol-plane towards the suspicious position below. The explosive
cargo is set with a time fuse, the arrangement being that the
contents will be detonated while the machine is near the ground,
unless this end is accelerated by a well-planted shell from an
anti-aircraft gun.
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