Uploaded pix which appear on the Desert Column Forum.
Western Mail, Thursday, 17 October 1929, p. 2.
The secret history of the Air Force
The secret history of the Air Force in the Great War would make fascinating reading. Its work was not confined to the reconnaissance and patrol work which was so familiar, a sight to the infantry soldier. Landing and picking up agents equipped for special work behind the lines was one of its least known, but none the less perilous, jobs. On one occasion, in April, 1917, Cleary, an English pilot, while engaged on a special mission, damaged his propeller in landing in enemy territory. His "spy" handed him a pigeon and this he liberated, asking for despatch to him by air of another propeller. For three days he awaited the expected arrival of a fellow pilot with the required spare parts, but the weather was unfavourable and no relieving airman appeared. Cleary and his spy were captured. The spy was summarily executed, and Cleary, as an English officer held for trial by court-martial, but he succeeded in escaping before trial.