Marine Luftschiffabteilung 44

frontflieger · 10 May 2002, 04:36 AM

I recently read about the crew of Marine Luftschiffer Abteilung 44 and their end on Oct. 20th, 1917 ... can anyone give more details about their trip and their fate?

Rick · 10 May 2002, 05:33 AM

Frontflieger,

The Navy Zeppelin L 44 was lost on 'the Silent Raid' on 19/20 Oct 1917. See Dr. Douglas Robinson's book "The Zeppelin in Combat' for details. For a crew listing see CGAS. R.

Regulus · 13 May 2002, 01:27 PM

Thorsten,

11 Airships left on the 19th. On the ground winds were unexisting over England and the North Sea. North westerly winds prevailed in the region of 10.000 feet, and above that height the wind suddenly increased to some forty miles an hour and progressively went higher up. So that at 20.000 feet, as known the only safe height for these airships, it was blowing a gale from north and north west !
Seems the airships made landfalls at various places at Humber, Lincolnshire, the Wash and northern coast of Norfolk and were al forced to the south east.
L54 went straight of home over the North Sea.
Three returned along the Dutch coast or even across Holland, three went over the north of France and crossed Allied lines between Ypres and Luneville.
The remaining four were L44, L45, L49 and L50. These seems to have been driven further southwards while trying to to get east.
L44 from kap.lt. Stabbert entered the Wash around half past seven. Rounded Boston and followed great northern railway to Bedford. Dropped bombs between Elstow and Kempston, then went west to Wolverton and turning south east. Dropped 10 bombs near Leighton Buzzard. Passed from Luton to Maidstone. Bombed Detling aerodrome. Went out to sea between Folkestone and Dover at half past eleven. Twenty minutes later at Boulogne, going south east. At a quarter past one at Montdidier, continuing over Reims, Bar le Duc, Luneville.
Near Vathimenil at 11000 feet shot by AA guns, tried to rise but was hit at 19000 feet, taking fire immediately, and crashing at Chenevieres, killing all of her crew.

Best from Regulus

frontflieger · 16 May 2002, 10:55 AM

Thanks for your info - does anyone know, where I can find the pictures taken of L44 after its 'landing'?

I did find 'half of the crew' on the German Cemetary 'Gerbeviller' - therefore I need(ed) the details. Thanks to the forum

Regulus · 16 May 2002, 02:51 PM

Not sure but think I saw some photo's at Brussels. Will check next time, probably beginning next month.

Best from Regulus

jempie · 18 May 2002, 08:31 AM

I have (I accept) all articles published into the magazine L'Illustration /Paris from October 1917 home on the subject with photos into my home documentation...with for more photos from several airships crashed/landed (L49) , crew bodies on the ground which jumped out, dismantling of L49, recuperation of aluminium for French use, POW crew photo of L49, L49 gondola's used for Warbonds funds raising at Paris etc...
On that points I am very extended documentated!
J-P Lauwers.

Rod_Filan · 18 May 2002, 10:43 AM

Thorsten-
http://204.83.160.230/archive/a/images/imag0388.jpg.

JPL or Reg- can you confirm annotation I have on this image. I have no idea where 'St. Clement' is in relation to the crash site 'Chenevieres' mentioned

VBR
Rod

jempie · 19 May 2002, 09:14 AM

St-Clement seems to be about 10 km from Luneville
Luneville ist find on a road leading from Nancy to Colmar!
I haven't my road books here (in the car)
See tomorrow!
Sent you by direct mail now one page from Panorama de la Guerre...indicating places where the Zeppelins came down...but need time to search all pages I have about with photos!
Cannot do it today anymore! Sorry!
JPL