Engineering:LZ 72
| LZ 72 | |
|---|---|
| |
| L 31 (LZ 72) in flight | |
| Type | Zeppelin R Class |
| Construction number | LZ 72 |
| Serial | L31 |
| First flight | 12 July 1916 |
| Owners and operators | Imperial German Navy |
| Last flight | 2 October 1916 |
| Fate | Destroyed |
LZ 72 (navy designation L 31) was an R Class super-zeppelin belonging to the Imperial German Navy. It was commanded by Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Mathy, an experienced commander, and took part in several raids over London during World War I.[1] It also participated in a reconnaissance role during the Sunderland raid of 19 August 1916. Its last flight was launched late at night on 1 October 1916. Several miles north of London, it was caught in searchlights and anti-aircraft fire. During this engagement, 2nd Lt. Wulfstan J. Tempest was on patrol and spotted the zeppelin. He proceeded to engage the airship with incendiary rounds, causing the ship to burst into flames and crash in a field near Potter's Bar.[2][3] After this disastrous crash, the Imperial German Navy began decreasing its amount of zeppelin raids. The entire crew died, and were originally buried there but were transported to Cannock Chase in the 1960s.[1]
Operators
German Empire
- Imperial German Navy
Oakmere Park
In September 2019 it was announced that Hertsmere Borough Council agreed planning permission for a Super Zeppelin Tower in the junior play area within Oakmere Park.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Mathy, Kapitanleutnant Heinrich (1883-1916". http://www.gwpda.org/bio/m/mathy.html. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
- ↑ Morgan, Tom (April 2004). "Decisions at Potters Bar". http://www.hellfirecorner.co.uk/pottersbar/pottersbar.htm. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ↑ "Death of A Zeppelin – The L-31 is shot down - History Channel on Foxtel". 30 September 2016. https://www.historychannel.com.au/articles/death-zeppelin-l-31-shot/. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
- ↑ "A Zeppelin is coming to Oakmere Park - again! - Hertsmere Borough Council". https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/News/Articles/September-2019/A-Zeppelin-is-coming-to-Oakmere-Park-again.aspx.
 |
