T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 16

This one slowed my light boat by about 3 miles an hour only, at its worst. I think any quantity of reconditioned 3 cwt drogue cable is available, and its lightness and strength makes it ideal for this tow, if it is carefully handled. The art is to wind it regularly and so avoid kinks. If that is done, or if all kinks are cut and spliced, the wire will last indefinitely. The main reason for a power-driven drum is to be able to wind up smoothly, under load. I'm afraid this photo should have been taken from behind the target, to show that its splash is much the same as my boat's. The 600 yards interval makes it look so remote and small. We have put the target back into station stores, now. It is a bit worn at its edges but still quite good. The Flying Boat very much enjoyed bombing at it. The towing is dead easy: you can turn anyway you please, as slow or as fast as you like. I have doubled back like this ... within . 50 yards of the targ, with it proceeding blissfully in the former direction while I dashed by ! Yours sincerely J. E. Shr v. Mount Batten is sad over the C.O's. posting to Mansten