Zeppelin LZ85

LZ 85 was an R-Class zeppelin built by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin at Staaken, Germany during the First World War and completed on 2 April 1917, to join the ranks of the German Kaiserliche Marine in the fight against the United Kingdom.{{cite web |url=http://zeppelin.mariwoj.pl/spis0lz2.htm |title=Sterowce Zeppelin 1900-39 |publisher=zeppelin.mariwoj.pl |access-date=29 December 2016}}

In six-engined configuration the R-class zeppelins had single pusher engines in the rear of the front control gondola and two engine cars either side amidships, with a further three engines in the rear gondola. Of the rear gondola engines, one drove a pusher propeller direct at the rear of the gondola and two more in the centre of the gondola drove propellers, via gearboxes and transmission shafts, mounted on framework either side of the gondola. Five-engined R-class zeppelins omitted the rear gondola direct-drive centre engine.

The 19 crew members were housed in the control cabin, rear gondola, two engine cars and open gun positions on top of the envelope.{{cite web |url=http://alh-research.tripod.com/desert_column_forum_pix/index.album/zeppelin-lz-85-renumbered-l45?i=1408 |title=Desert Column Forum Pix |publisher=alh-research.tripod.com |access-date=29 December 2016}}

LZ 85 conducted its first flight on 12 April 1917 from Staaken to Ahlhorn under the command of Kapitänleutnant Waldemar Kölle and first officer Oberleutnant zur See Bernhard Dinter. Dinter would be replaced in May by Lieutenant Colonel Schiltz; Dinter himself would take the command of another zeppelin in June. LZ 85 was stationed at Ahlhorn until it was moved to Tønder on 5 June 1917.{{cite web |url=http://lzdream.net/dirigeables/zeppelin/ficheszep/0/zeppelin.php?lz=85&p=0 |title=Lz85 - L45 |publisher=lzdream.net |date=2013 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

The LZ 85 conducted its first bombing raid on Britain on the night of 23 May and 24 May 1917. The ship took off from Ahlhorn and joined five other naval airships whose objective was to attack London. However the weather worsened and dense clouds were beginning to cover the East of England and by the time the airships crossed over Suffolk and Norfolk, they were caught in a thunderstorm. Sixty bombs were dropped over East Anglia which killed one person and L 40 was chased by a seaplane near Terschelling. The raid was deemed a failure because of the cloud cover and wind.

LZ 85 started its second bombing raid against Britain during the night of 21 August and 22 August 1917. The ship left its base in Tønder and joined seven other airships to conduct a bombing raid on East Yorkshire. The raid was personally led by airship fleet commander Peter Strasser who was on the L 46. LZ 85 failed to fly inland to conduct its mission and instead bombed a number of allied warships off Withernsea.

The LZ 85 conducted its last bombing raid on Britain on the night of 19 October and 20 October 1917. The ship took off from Tønder and joined 10 other naval airships. The raid took place at such a great height that no British fighters could reach high enough to shoot the attacking zeppelins down, giving the airships a huge advantage. The airships reached Britain undisturbed and dropped 274 bombs from a record height of well over {{convert|5|km|mi}}.{{cite web |url=http://vimu.info/fb.jsp?id=for_34_2_9_fb_silentraid_dk_doc&lang=da |title=The silent raid |publisher=vimu.info |access-date=29 December 2016}}

LZ 85 was ordered to bomb Sheffield and it reached the shore at Withernsea at 8.20pm, but she had to turn to the southwest before being ordered to go further to Leicester at 9.50pm. Once at Leicester LZ 85 was spotted by a Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b from the Royal Flying Corps, which fired three rounds at the airship, but was not able to keep pace with it. LZ 85 continued southward to Northampton which she reached at 10.45pm, dropping 22 bombs, including 9 firebombs,{{cite web |url=http://sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum-news.php?id=5 |title=Sywell Aviation Museum News |publisher=sywellaerodrome.co.uk |date=31 August 2006 |access-date=29 December 2016 |archive-date=12 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212035304/http://sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum-news.php?id=5 |url-status=dead }} over Kingsthorpe, Dallington, Far Cotton and St. James End districts.{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/stream/warinairbeingsto05rale#page/96/mode/2up |title=Silent Raid: The Untold Story |access-date=29 December 2016}} The fifth bomb that was dropped passed through the roof of 46 Parkwood Street, just west of the train station, killing Mrs Eliza Gammons instantly while she was sleeping in her bedroom. Her 13-year-old twin daughters, Gladys and Lily, who were also in the house, died later from their burns.{{cite web |url=http://cottonites.co.uk/transport/r101.htm |title=The Airship |publisher=cottonites.co.uk |access-date=29 December 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01wvc3d |title=Parkwood Street, Northampton: Zeppelin Raid |publisher=bbc.co.uk |date=2016 |access-date=29 December 2016}} One of the bombs dropped on Northampton, which didn't explode, is now on display at Sywell Aviation Museum, {{convert|10|km|mi}} northeast of Northampton.{{cite web |url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/bomb-from-deadly-zeppelin-raid-to-go-on-display-1-911863 |title=Bomb from deadly Zeppelin raid to go on display |publisher=northamptonchron.co.uk |date=31 August 2006 |access-date=29 December 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://crossandcockade.com/uploads/454SilentRaid.pdf |title=The war in the air; being the story of the part played in the Great War by the Royal Air Force |publisher=crossandcockade.com |date=1935 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

LZ 85 continued southward, when at 11.30pm the ship bathed in light from searchlight batteries over northwest London.{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=12XqUkvOMESksU1FSo9RsSZx0OxU&ll=51.52525961205689%2C-0.12224000000003343&z=12 |title=Raid 9: 19 Oct 1917 |access-date=29 December 2016}} The commander took the opportunity and started bombing the city. The first bomb came down near Hendon Aerodrome, damaging the Grahame-White aircraft manufacturer. Another bomb just missed Cricklewood railway station.{{cite web |url=http://westhampsteadlife.com/2012/11/14/when-a-zeppelin-flew-over-kilburn/5092 |title=When a Zeppelin flew over Kilburn |publisher=westhampsteadlife.com |date=14 November 2012 |access-date=29 December 2016}} When LZ 85 reached the City of London, she dropped a {{convert|300|kg|abbr=on}} high explosive bomb on Piccadilly Circus, which smashed the entire facade of the Swan & Edgar department store, killing five men and two women, and also wounding 18 others, that were mostly waiting for a bus. The bomb blew a hole {{convert|3|m|ftin}} in diameter and {{convert|1.2|m|ftin}} in depth down to a cellar under the street between the department store and a tea shop Cabin.{{cite web |url=http://lzdream.net/dirigeables/template_airship.php?page=5zeppelins_l45osprey&menu=5zeppelins_menu |title=The Silent Raid Traduction des pages 86 à 89 |publisher=lzdream.net |date=2012 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

File:Hither Green bomb damage 1917 IWM HO 115.jpg

While continuing its flight over London, LZ 85 encountered a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c fighter, but escaped by turning southward and climbing to an extreme height. When the airship was in safety, it dropped another bomb in Southwark, south of the River Thames, where it destroyed three houses in Albany Road near Burgess Park, killing 10 to 12 people and wounding many others.{{cite web |url=http://www.bridgetonowhere.friendsofburgesspark.org.uk/the-story-of-burgess-park-heritage-trail/heritage-trail-a-l/bomb-damage/ |title=Bomb damage: war comes to Camberwell |publisher=bridgetonowhere.friendsofburgesspark.org.uk |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=29 December 2016}} The airship dropped another bomb on Hither Green in the southeastern district of Lewisham and destroyed 26 small houses. In this attack, 15 people were killed including 12 children or teenagers and eight others were wounded.{{cite web |url=http://lewishamwarmemorials.wikidot.com/incident:air-raid-ww1-19-20-october-1917 |title=World War I Air Raid, 19/20 October 1917 Air Raid |publisher=alewishamwarmemorials.wikidot.com |access-date=29 December 2016}} Of the 12 children whom were killed, 8 were from the Kingston family and 4 from the Milgate family.{{cite web |url=https://runner500.wordpress.com/2014/08/07/the-zeppelin-attack-on-hither-green/ |title=The Zeppelin Attack on Hither Green |date=7 August 2014 |publisher=runner500.wordpress.com |access-date=29 December 2016}} Meanwhile, on the ground, British searchlight batteries tried to locate LZ 85 but, in the hazy weather high above London, the airship could not be found.{{cite web |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19171023.2.33.2 |title=Zeppelin Raids |publisher=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz |date=23 October 1917 |access-date=29 December 2016}} LZ 85 tried to descend to a lower altitude, but was pursued by a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c flown by Lieutenant Pritchard. On gaining altitude LZ 85 encountered strong turbulence and frost, which caused a number of mechanical problems including steering problems, an engine failure and fuel leaks. On top of that, the crew began suffering from altitude sickness.{{cite web |url=http://ubaye-en-cartes.e-monsite.com/pages/le-temps-des-guerres/le-zeppelin-l45.html |title=Histoire du L45 dit " Zeppelin de Laragne " |publisher=ubaye-en-cartes.e-monsite.com |date=30 July 2013 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

File:Operational B.E.2c.jpg

LZ 85 escaped Britain and flew over the English Channel towards Belgium and France. However, due to its long duration at an extreme height and the numerous mechanical problems, including fuel leaks, the ship was left to the mercy of the weather as the fuel ran out. The ship drifted over Amiens and Compiègne, heading toward neutral Switzerland.{{cite book|author=Thomas Fegan|title=The Baby Killers: German Air Raids on Britain in the First World War|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nS7AAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA158|year=2013|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-0-85052-893-0|page=158}} When passing by Lyon, at a height of {{convert|500|m|ft|abbr=on}}, a fighter took off from Meyzieu east of the city, following the airship to the south of Saint-Marcellin, but had to give up the chase and return to Meyzieu due to lack of fuel.{{cite web |url=http://lzdream.net/dirigeables/template_airship.php?page=5zeppelins_l50&menu=5zeppelins_menu |title=L45, L50 et le L55 |publisher=lzdream.net |date=August 2012 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

File:Carcasse du dirigeable L 45 tombé à Mison en 1917.jpg

At 10.50am, commander Kölle decided to make an emergency landing on a reclaimed island near Laragne Buech, north of Sisteron in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in south-eastern France as he knew he couldn't keep his ship in the air much longer. The commander steered his ship into the dry bed of a river, but the zeppelin bounced up again, losing one of her propellers on impact. The commander ordered the crew to jump from the ship before it crashed on the hillside next to the river, but not all the crew had abandoned LZ 85 before she crashed into the hillside.{{cite web |url=http://sylviedamagnez.canalblog.com/archives/2014/12/12/31126973.html |title=Bomb damage: war comes to Camberwell |publisher=sylviedamagnez.canalblog.com |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=29 December 2016}} The ship came to rest on the hill almost undamaged and the commander and remaining crew abandoned LZ 85 and set the ship ablaze with a signal pistol before anyone could stop him, despite the efforts of Madame Dupont, a local farmer's wife.{{citation |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC19171025.2.31.13 |title=The Zeppelin Raids |work=Colonist |volume=LX |issue=14545 |via=National Library of New Zealand |date=25 October 1917 |page=5 |access-date=29 December 2016}} After burning the aircraft, the crew of 17 men along with the first officer and Kölle were taken into custody as prisoners of war.{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-military-press.com/pdf/1843421496.pdf |title=L'ATTERRISSAGE DU ZEPPELIN L45 À LARAGNE-MONTEGLIN LE 20 OCTOBRE 1917 |publisher=naval-military-press.com |date=12 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

In the afternoon of 20 October 1917, 16 of the crew-members were taken to Laragne where they were interrogated by local gendarmes. Commander Waldemar Kölle was interrogated by the German department of the French intelligence service on 1 November 1917. The report of the commander's interrogation was later smuggled to Nordholz, where Peter Strasser received it on 25 April 1918. In the report it was revealed that the British Naval Intelligence Division had gotten hold of detailed and updated information on the German naval airships and all their commanders, including on Bockholt's top secret Africa mission. The discovery resulted in 3 people from Tønder and 2 from Nordholz coming under suspicion of spying and later being found guilty and executed by a firing squad. The circumstances are not clear as most archive material has been lost.{{cite web |url=http://stahlgewitter.com/17_10_21.htm |title=Angriff eines Luftschiffgeschwaders auf England |publisher=stahlgewitter.com |date=2005 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

File:L 45 crew interrogated.jpg

The crew of LZ 85 were held as Prisoners Of War until the end of the war, when they were all released, except Waldemar Kölle, who was accused under Versailles Treaty to have committed war crimes by killing civilians. Kölle remained jailed in Roanne until 1921.

The raid was not viewed as a great success as the German navy lost a total of five airships:

• LZ 85 crash-landed in Laragne and her crew of 19 were captured.
• LZ 93 was shot down by anti aircraft fire from French Army artillery over Lunéville resulting in the death of everyone on board.
• LZ 96 force-landed in Bourbonne-les-Bains and was captured undamaged together with her crew.
• LZ 89 Tried to land in Dammartin but ended up tearing off the control car and sending the ship drifting over the Mediterranean where it exploded, killing the 5 remaining crewmen on board.
• LZ 101 crash-landed at the Werra river in Thuringia and was declared a total loss.{{cite web |url=https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/59299-zeppelin-over-essex/ |title=Zeppelin over Essex |publisher=greatwarforum.org |date=13 September 2006 |access-date=2018-09-25}}{{cite web |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1917/10/21/98254287.pdf |title= French bring down five zeppelins |publisher=query.nytimes.com |date=21 October 1917 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

LZ 85 will always be remembered as the Zeppelin of Laragne to the people of France. The airship dropped a total of {{convert|4700|kg|abbr=on}} of bombs during its three raids and killed an estimated 30 people, as well as damaging many buildings.{{cite web |url=http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/air/view.php?pid=1193 |title=Zeppelin LZ85 (L45) |publisher=wartimememoriesproject.com |access-date=29 December 2016}} One of the people killed during LZ 85's last bombardment of London was a girl named Lily, who was the inspiration for Henry Williamson's 1957 novel The Golden Virgin,{{cite book|author=Henry Williamson|title=The Golden Virgin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c3j2AwAAQBAJ|year=2014|publisher=Faber & Faber|isbn=978-0-571-30996-2}} in which the protagonist Lily is killed in the bombardment. This also inspired Kate Bush in 1993 for the song "Lily."{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=act6JIFZG-M |title=Lily |publisher=Kate Bush |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=29 December 2016}}

{{commons|Category:LZ 85 / L 45}}

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=Zeppelin : rigid airships, 1893-1940{{cite book |last1=Brooks |first1=Peter W. |title=Zeppelin : rigid airships, 1893-1940 |date=1992 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution Press |location=Washington, D.C. |isbn=1560982284 |pages=95–99}}

|prime units?=met

|crew=17-19

|capacity={{cvt|32400|kg|0}} typical disposable load

|length m=198

|length note=

|dia m=23.9

|dia note=maximum

• Fineness ratio: 8.24

|volume m3=55200

|volume note=in 19 gas cells

|empty weight kg=31400

|empty weight lb=

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg=32908

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=

|max takeoff weight lb=

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity={{cvt|6250|kg|0}}

|lift kg=63800

|lift note=

|more general=

|eng1 number=5

|eng1 name=Maybach HS Lu

|eng1 type=6-cylinder water-cooled in-line piston engines

|eng1 hp=240

|eng1 note=

|prop blade number=4

|prop name=Lorenzen fixed-pitch propellers

|prop dia m=

|prop dia ft=

|prop dia in=

|prop dia note=

|max speed kmh=103

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kmh=81

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|never exceed speed mph=

|never exceed speed kts=

|never exceed speed note=

|range km=7400

|range note=at {{cvt|81|km/h|mph kn}}

|combat range km=

|combat range miles=

|combat range nmi=

|combat range note=

|ferry range km=

|ferry range miles=

|ferry range nmi=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=3900

|ceiling note=static

|g limits=

|roll rate=

|glide ratio=

|climb rate ms=10

|climb rate note=maximum permitted (r-class)

|time to altitude=

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|more performance=

|guns= machine-guns in hull-top positions and gondolas

|bombs=up to 60 bombs to a total of {{cvt|5000|kg|0}}

}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{LZ Navbox}}

{{Aviation accidents and incidents in 1917}}

Category:Accidents and incidents involving balloons and airships

Category:Accidents and incidents involving military aircraft

Category:Airships of the Imperial German Navy

Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in France

Category:1910s German bomber aircraft

Category:Hydrogen airships

Category:Zeppelins

Category:Airships of Germany

Category:Airships

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1917

Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in 1917

Category:Rigid airships

Category:Military airships of World War I