Secrets of the Zeppelins

Both the German army and navy operated about 130 airships during the First World War undertaking both bombing and reconnaissance missions.

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The crew were able to send mail which often had a scarce 'Kommando' handstamp rather than the more usual  Feldpost one.

Some of the covers shown here are from Oberlieutenant Peterson who was considered to be a top-class handler of the airship but was killed when his ship went down in Essex on 24 September 1916 after being hit when attempting to bomb London.

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As well as a log book, in the wreckage was found a burnt, but legible,  copy of the new German naval code book which was invaluable to the allies. Why this top-secret document was being carried on the airship remains a mystery.

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Eddie Weeks

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