Zeppelin LZ 78

The Imperial German Army Zeppelin LZ 78 was a R-class World [War I] zeppelin.

Operational history

The airship took part in three reconnaissance missions and two attacks on England dropping of bombs. It also took part in the Zeppelin raid involving three other Imperial German Airships: the LZ 72 (L 31), L 32 and Zeppelin LZ 76 (L 33) on the evening of 23 September 1916. Of the four Airships, LZ 78 was the only Zeppelin that returned to base after the raid. Together all four Zepellins succeeded in dropping of bombs on London and surrounding counties.

Last mission

On 27 November 1916, Zeppelin LZ 78 was intercepted and destroyed by British fighter pilot Second Lieutenant Ian Pyott in Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c off Hartlepool. His bullets ignited the hydrogen, "like a massive fiery torch which lit up the night for miles around, she plunged into the sea." The commander of the Airship was Kapitanleutnant Max Dietrich the uncle of famous actress Marlene Dietrich.