Zeppelin LZ 72 explained

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. Wulstan 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]} The entire crew died, and were originally buried there but were reinterred at Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery in the 1960s. After this disastrous crash, the Imperial German Navy began reducing the number of zeppelin raids.^[1]

Operators

• 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]

See also

• List of Zeppelins

Further reading

• Book: Liddell Hart, Sir Basil Henry . B. H. Liddell Hart . A History of the World War 1914–1918 . 1934 . . 978-0-304-93653-3.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mathy, Kapitanleutnant Heinrich (1883-1916. www.gwpda.org. 26 April 2018.
2. Web site: Morgan. Tom. Decisions at Potters Bar. Tom Morgan's HELLFIRE CORNER GREAT WAR WEB-PAGES. April 2004. 5 March 2019.
3. Web site: Death of A Zeppelin – The L-31 is shot down - History Channel on Foxtel. 30 September 2016. historychannel.com.au. 26 April 2018.
4. Web site: A Zeppelin is coming to Oakmere Park - again! - Hertsmere Borough Council. www.hertsmere.gov.uk. 2019-10-01.