DIARY OF LAST VOYAGE.

Following is the story of the last voyage of the Dixmude in diary form:

DEC. 18. – Left Cuers Pierrefeu, near Toulon, in early morning, with the intention of cruising over Algeria and a portion of the Sahara. At 7.30 in the evening she was seen over Tunis.

DEC. 19. – Passed over Insalah (in the Sahara, 500 miles south of Tunis) at 4.20 p.m., and turned north.

DEC. 20. – While cruising over South Tunisia, in region of Biskra and Tuggurt, her commander must have received news that a storm was rising to (the north.

DEC. 21. – Battling against gale and petrol supply running low. Sent out message at eight p.m., giving position as seventy miles north of Tuggurt.

DEC. 22. – Reported (but not authoritatively) to have been seen over Gulf of Gabes (east of Tunis). Partially decipherable wireless message received from her that she was in difficulties. Advised by French Admiralty to descend if possible at Golomb Bechar (300 miles south of Oran).

DEC. 23. – Reported seen by Italian ship falling over Mediterranean. This vessel picked up S.O.S. calls from the airship.

DEC. 24. – Again rumoured to be drifting over Gulf of Gabes. Sahara being searched by aeroplanes, cavalry, camel corps, and motorcars.

DEC. 25 to 27. – No reliable news, though one report stated vessel had been seen south of Insalah again. French Admiralty expressed belief she had been wrecked between Biskra and Tuggurt while endeavouring to ride out the storm.

DEC. 28. – Body of the commander found by Italian fishermen in the sea off the coast of Sicily, near the port of Sciacca, 120 miles from the African coast.