What it was like to fly and command a Zeppelin over
England, braving bad weather and
British air defences alike
The very name 'Zeppelin' spread fear and alarm through
Britain during the First World War.
These slow-moving craft flew, at first, virtually unopposed over the skies of
Britain, arousing both intense fear
and curiosity. By 1916 the raids were becoming increasingly costly as British
air defences improved, particularly given the limited military damage the
Zeppelins were inflicting, and in the final year of the war only four raids were
launched. Nevertheless, the Zeppelins remain an indelible part of the history of
early aviation, and the First World War.
The author of this book, Horst Freiherr Treusch von Buttlar
Brandenfels, commanded Zeppelins during the war, and flew on missions over
England a number of times. In April
1918 he was awarded the famous 'Pour le Mérite' (sometimes called 'the Blue
Max'), Prussia's highest military order. He
describes in vivid and exciting prose what it was like to fly in and command a
Zeppelin, braving not just the British air defences but treacherous weather
conditions. Sometimes simply keeping these enormous craft aloft was a challenge
to the crew, before any enemy was even encountered. Von Buttlar Brandenfels was
also constantly aware that his Zeppelin was a horrific fire hazard. Yet a spirit
of adventure and bravery shine through his account, which is a highly readable
personal story, allowing the reader to really get a feel for what it was like to
take to the skies in a Zeppelin over England.
This edition has been newly-typeset and has been expanded by a new
introductory essay providing further details about the author's career and the
German Zeppelin raids over Britain. This fascinating account is
being published in a strictly limited edition hardback run of just 250 copies,
each copy individually numbered.
Available late 2012
