LIEUTENANT WARNEFORD, V.C.
To Lieutenant Warneford, V.C., falls the distinction of being one of
the first airmen to destroy a Zeppelin. At the time of his heroic deed
he was on patrol duty in Belgium, and, it seems, was under orders to
await the return of raiding airships from England. After a long and
trying vigil he sighted a Zeppelin, and made straight for a position
above the giant structure.
The attack, we must remember, was made in the year previous to the
successful exploits dealt with in other chapters. At the time certain
improvements in guns and cartridges had not come into use. Lieutenant
Warneford’s only hope of completely destroying the airship was to drop
a bomb on it from above, and this he did with remarkable skill and
courage.
[Illustration: Lieutenant Warneford, V.C.]
On gaining the desired position, he dropped a bomb with such effect
that an explosion immediately followed. His bravery will be fully
appreciated when we recall the fact that so violent was the explosion
that his machine was turned completely over, compelling him to
‘loop-the-loop.’ This he did with coolness and skill, and although
under great difficulties he succeeded in bringing about a safe landing.
Unfortunately he was compelled, owing to engine trouble, to land on
territory occupied by the Germans. Good fortune, however, favoured him.
He managed, before the appearance on the scene of enemy troops, to
restart the motor and again take to the air. It is generally thought
that he was assisted by Belgians, but this does not appear to be
established. It is, in any circumstances, sufficient to know that the
heroic young aviator managed to escape and return safely to his base,
there to receive the enthusiastic congratulations of his comrades.
The stricken airship unfortunately fell upon a monastery, doing much
damage and killing a number of the inmates. It was a Zeppelin of
notable type, carrying an exceptionally large crew, including some of
Germany’s most efficient engineers.
The news of the destruction of the airship was communicated almost
immediately to England, causing keen interest and delight. Lieutenant
Warneford became the hero of the hour. The King telegraphed the honour
of the Victoria Cross, and the heroic young pilot thus came into the
distinction of being the first airman to win the coveted decoration.
England and France united in honouring him, and hopes were widely
expressed that fresh deeds of valour would be performed in coming days.
But Lieutenant Warneford tasted earthly fame for only a few brief
hours. Shortly after his heroic deed, whilst flying with an American
journalist as passenger, his machine suddenly swerved, and in some way
never fully explained, control was lost, and the machine dashed to
earth, killing both the pilot and passenger.
Deep regret was expressed by every friend of the Allies. Much hope had
been centred in the courageous young pilot, and the end had come with
terrible suddenness. People could not understand. But above all there
shone brightly, and still shines, the deed of that _one glorious hour_,
when self was forgotten and only duty called.
The name and fame of Lieutenant Warneford will surely live in the
annals of aviation—a fearless spirit, quick and strong to act,
tasting for a brief while of conquest and fame, and then meeting, all
unexpected, a sudden and untimely end. ‘Fame,’ it is written, ‘may
fade, but not the great deeds that bring true fame; their influence
lasts through all time.’ Lieutenant Warneford’s heroic act is not dead.
His example has inspired and will continue to inspire, and to him we
owe in no small measure many of the more recent deeds of our heroic
airmen.