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.
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.
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.
Eddie Weeks
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