§ Mr. BOTTOMLEY (by Private Notice)asked the Minister for Air whether he has any further informationas to the fate of the missing airman, Lieutenant Mars?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major-General Seely)Yes. Lieutenant Mars, one of the officers of the Communications Squadron, left Nivelles, near Brussels, on 22nd June, bound for Kenley. He was observed by an officer in another aeroplane crossing the Channel, but as he failed to arrive inquiries were made at all the aerodromes to which it was thought he might be gone, and the Channel was searched and no trace of him was found. What happened was that heturned back in mid-Channel, apparently owing to engine trouble, and endeavoured to reach Nivelles, but was forced to land in a remote country district. I assume that he notified what had happened to those in the district where he lauded, but through some mistake the notification was not passed on. Full inquiry is being made on this point. I am glad to say that this officer is alive and well.