Zeppelin LZ 43

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LZ 43 (L 12)
L 12 wird abgeschleppt.jpg
Zeppelin LZ 43 being towed into bay
RoleP-class reconnaissance-bomber rigid airship
National origin German Empire
Manufacturer Luftschiffbau Zeppelin
Designer Ludwig Dürr
First flight21 June 1915
StatusBurnt in Ostend, Belgium 10 August 1915
Primary user Imperial German Navy
Number built1

The Imperial German Army Zeppelin LZ 43 (L 12) was a P-class World War I zeppelin. While taking part in a bombing raid of the United Kingdom the Airship was hit by AA fire and it crashed outside of Ostend, Belgium on 10 August 1915. While being towed into the harbour, it burst into fire.

Contents

Operational history

It took part in five reconnaissance missions.[ citation needed ]

Destruction

While commanded by Oberleutnant-zur-See Werner Peterson, on 9 August 1915, it took part in a raid on the United Kingdom with L 10, L 11, and L 13 (L 13 turned back early with engine problems). [1] The Airship was blown off course and took heavy fire while flying over Dover. It dropped 10 bombs, allowing it to rise above the AA fire. Of the 10 bombs only four hit land, two struck the parapet of Admiralty Pier, and a third hit its Transport Office. The fourth bomb fell under the bows of the trawler Equinox, wounding three. [1]

L 12 did not escape bombing Dover without taking damage and starting leaking hydrogen. It crashed into the sea a few miles out from Ostend. Torpedo boats towed her into harbour but she burst into flames while being hauled out onto the dock. [2]

Specifications

Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour.jpg
Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour
Wreck of Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour Wrack von L 12.jpg
Wreck of Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour
Smoking wreck of Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour L 12 vernichtet in Oostende.jpg
Smoking wreck of Zeppelin L 12 in Oostende Harbour

Data from Giants in the Sky: A History of the Rigid Airship [3] [4]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Bibliography

Notes

References

    Further reading