Zeppelins - Majestic and Deadly Airships of WW1 I THE GREAT WAR Special

Summary

In this Great War Special episode, Indy Neidell explores the German zeppelins' pivotal role in World War One. Initially designed for civilian transport, these airships were repurposed for military use, conducting reconnaissance, bombing raids, and supporting naval operations. Despite their initial success, the development of incendiary bullets and the bravery of British pilots like Lieutenant William Robinson marked a turning point, leading to the first zeppelin shoot-down. The episode also touches on a daring supply mission to German East Africa, highlighting the zeppelins' versatility and the courage of their crews.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The zeppelin, a German invention, revolutionized aerial transportation and warfare during World War One.
• 🎈 Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin was inspired by hydrogen-filled observation balloons used in the American Civil War and developed the steerable 'dirigible' balloon.
• 🛫 In 1910, DELAG, the world's first airline, began regular passenger flights with zeppelins, showcasing their potential for civilian use.
• ⚔️ At the outbreak of WWI, Germany had 11 large airships which were repurposed for military use by both the Army and the Navy.
• 🔭 Zeppelins were used for reconnaissance, bombing raids, and as scouts for naval operations, including the Battle of Jutland.
• 💣 The first Zeppelin bomb attack on Britain occurred in 1915, marking a new era of aerial warfare and psychological impact on civilians.
• 🏰 Initially, Kaiser Wilhelm II forbade attacks on London to protect historical sites and the royal family.
• 🔥 The introduction of incendiary bullets, like the 'Buckingham' bullet, turned the tide against zeppelins, making them more vulnerable to being shot down.
• 🌍 A remarkable zeppelin mission was planned to deliver supplies to German East Africa, illustrating the long-range capabilities of these airships.
• 👨‍✈‍ The bravery of the zeppelin crews is highlighted, despite the harsh conditions and risks they faced, including freezing temperatures and altitude sickness.

Q & A

Who was the inventor of the zeppelin and what was his inspiration?

Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin was the inventor of the zeppelin. He was inspired by the usefulness of hydrogen-filled observation balloons he observed during the American Civil War while serving as an observer with the Union Army.

What was the purpose of the first steerable balloon developed by Graf Zeppelin?

Graf Zeppelin developed the first steerable or 'dirigible' balloon with the aim of unlocking its potential as a mode of transportation, as he reasoned that if balloons could be steered and made to move under their own power, their utility would greatly increase.

When was the world's first airline, DELAG, established and what was its purpose?

The German Airship Transportation Company or DELAG was established in 1910. It operated regularly scheduled passenger flights between major German cities with plans to expand operations to all major cities in Europe and beyond.

How were zeppelins utilized by the German Army and Navy at the outbreak of World War One?

At the start of World War One, the German Army used zeppelins for reconnaissance to determine the number and disposition of opposing ground forces and as tactical bombers. The Navy used them to patrol the North Sea area, acting as the far-ranging eyes of the fleet.

What was the significance of the zeppelin attack on Liege in August 1914?

The attack on Liege in August 1914 was significant as it marked the first instance of the use of zeppelins in warfare, demonstrating their potential as a new weapon in military strategy.

What was the role of zeppelins in the naval battle of Jutland?

Zeppelins played a crucial role in the naval battle of Jutland by acting as advance scouts for the German fleet, providing valuable reconnaissance information that contributed to the fleet's operations.

Why were zeppelin raids on Britain initially limited, and what changed this?

Initially, Kaiser Wilhelm did not approve operations that might damage historical architecture or target the royals. However, by March 1915, he relented and allowed London to be bombed, albeit with limited targets.

What were the objectives of the zeppelin raids on Britain?

The objectives of the zeppelin raids on Britain were to interfere with supply and distribution, destroy military facilities, particularly the Bank of England, force the British to defend at home, thereby keeping troops from the front lines, and to demoralize and terrorize the civilian population.

How did the development of incendiary bullets change the effectiveness of attacking zeppelins?

The development of incendiary bullets, such as the 'Buckingham' bullet filled with phosphorus, allowed for the ignition of the hydrogen gas within zeppelins, making them much easier to shoot down and significantly increasing the risk for the German aircrews.

What was the remarkable feat achieved by the L-59 zeppelin during its mission to German East Africa?

The L-59 zeppelin accomplished a remarkable feat by being in flight for 95 hours, covering 4,200 miles in harsh environmental conditions, and still having fuel for another 64 hours in the air when it returned to base after being recalled.

How many zeppelins were built and deployed during the war, and what was the general perception of their effectiveness as a weapon?

A total of 88 zeppelins were built and deployed during the war. While their effectiveness as a weapon of war is debatable, the bravery of the men who operated them is not, as they faced numerous challenges and dangers.