Zeppelins and Airships
Zeppelins are a type of rigid Airship named after the German inventor Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin. First flown commercially in 1910, they had carried over 10,000 paying customers on over 1,500 flights by the time War broke out in 1914. The German Military quickly made use of Zeppelins as Bombers and Scouts. Bombing raids over England in WW1 led to over 500 deaths, often hushed up at the time for fear of denting public morale. Fear of the Zeppelins was palpable in England and they seemed to be able to come and go on their Bombing raids with impunity.
The 'Zepp menace' seemed unstoppable until the night of the 2nd / 3rd of September 1916.
Lieutenant Leefe Robinson sighted a 'Zepp' over Cuffley, Hertfordshire while flying his Night Fighter.
The Zeppelin he encountered was one of sixteen that left Bases in Germany as part of the largest Airship raid of the War. Closing in to within 150 meters, Leefe Robinson raked the Airship from below with machine gun fire. The Airship burst into flames and crashed with all Crew members perishing.
Leefe Robinson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery.
Five more 'Zepps' were shot down in the next three months using the same method.
The 'Scourge of the Zeppelin' was over.