She could also sweep the surface
ahead of the approaching convoy, and warn it by wireless or by
flash-lamp of the presence of submarines or mines. By these
timely warnings many vessels were saved. Owing to the position
of the stations it was possible for a convoy to be met by
airships west of the Scilly Isles and escorted by the airships of
the succeeding stations right up the Channel. In a similar
manner, the main shipping routes on the east coast and also in
the Irish Sea were under constant observation. The mail steamers
between England and Ireland and transports between England and
France were always escorted whenever flying conditions were
possible. For escort duties involving long hours of flying, the
Coastal and C Star types were peculiarly suitable, and at a later
date the North Sea, which could accompany a convoy for the length
of Scotland. Airships have often proved of value in summoning
help to torpedoed vessels, and on occasions survivors in open
boats have been rescued through the agency of patrolling
airships. Examination duties are reckoned among the many
obligations of the airship. Suspicious-looking vessels were
always carefully scrutinized, and if unable to give a
satisfactory answer to signals made, were reported to vessels of
the auxiliary patrol for closer examination.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174