Kategorie: en

The Imperial Naval Airship “L 2” was the greatest of all the Zeppelin airships, which Germany had at the time.

The experiences that the Imperial admiralty had made with the destroyed “L1”, had shown that for the sea vessels are to be used, which are motor-driven stronger and must have greater capacity than the country airships. The acceptance driving of the “L 2”, to which the authority put the officers and crew, while the Zeppelin company did let participate an engineer, took place on Sunday, 20 September 1913, so only a short time after that bleak afternoon in September, when the first proud of the German naval airships, the Zeppelin airship “L 1”, near Helgoland fell victim to the violence of the elements and was buried in the North Sea floods.

For a more detailed explanation:

Every airship has first to do a number of so-called yard of navigation tests, in which are tested the general facilities and the overall usability of the airship, before it passes into the possession of the naval administration. These shipyard test drives had “L2” put behind it.

On 20 September was “L2” while on the drive still in possession of the shipyard, but was declined after the arrival in Johannisthal subject of the correct functioning of all parts. A reservation which is common during the further so-called Navy test drives.

During this period, the Navy Board is in a position to require certain amendments, which appear to be necessary, and on the fulfillment of these demands will depend the final takeover. At this stage has “L2” been, which has been in the possession of the naval administration under the usual caveats and would have remained in such position until the complete execution of the test runs.

The decline in travel on 20 September 1913 exhibited the capacity of the recent Zeppelin ship a striking testimony: as the ship, whose leadership layed in the hands of the captain Glund, had to struggle with extremely difficult weather conditions that have been victoriously overcome. 

This first big trip – on this the airship showed herself to the Leipzig population at lunch hour for the first time – showed clearly that in the “L2” was found an adequate substitute for the destroyed “L1”.

Images of Naval Airship L2 (Zeppelin LZ 18) before, 
during and after the crash on Johannistal.

The following are the sources of the articles and images that were used for the pages on the Zeppelin LZ 18 – Naval Airship L2

Images:

Berliner Lokalanzeiger

Die Woche

Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung

Rhein und Düssel

Tägliche Rundschau

Aufnahme Foto Fischer / Abzüge Privatbesitz

Further:

http://www.johflug.de

http://www.luftschiffharry.de/faq11.htm

http://hydrogencommerce.com/zepplins/zeppelin5.htm

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/LZ_18

And:

Photo Navy shipbuilding master Felix Pietzker and Cover 2. Auflage “Festigkeit der Schiffe”
Special thanks to: Lino von Gartzen/www.abtauchen.com

The respective images are subject, provided they are not free of rights of third parties, or were created by me, to the rights of their respective owners and are used by me only for visual documentation.

Texts:

Berliner Tagesblatt

Düsseldorfer Anzeiger

Leipziger Neue Nachrichten

Berliner Lokalanzeiger

Tägliche Rundschau

Kieler Neueste Nachrichten

Div. newspaper clippings of unknown origin

and
“Die Deutschen Marine-Luftschiffe” v. Paul Schmalenbach (table “Specifications”)

Internationally, the misfortunes of the Naval Airship L2 (Zeppelin LZ 18) triggered attention and sympathetic responses:

Austria

Vienna, 1913-10-17

The Vienna newspapers express in heartfelt words the sincere sorrow and heartfelt condolences of all Austria to the misfortune which has affected the German Reich by the catastrophe of the Naval Airship “L2” and by the loss of so many brave lives.

The common participation is aimed particularly at the Graf Zeppelin, the by all recent adversities in his will and manpower unbended inventor and builder of the airships named after him. 

The papers express the conviction that not even this catastrophe like all with property and blood by now so dearly bought experience, could stop the conquest of the air and the triumphal track of the airnavigation.  

Netherlands

Amsterdam, 1913-10-18

The Amsterdam “Handelsblad” discusses the catastrophe of the Naval Airship “L2” and expresses its sincere sympathy for the German people, who have lost so clever fellows, further for the naval authorities and especially for the odl Graf Zeppelin, whose afflictions appear to not to want to end.

France

Paris, 1913-10-18

In the comments of the Paris press about the Zeppelin-Accident the view is quite general expressed, that the new catastrophe has inflicted the Zeppelin dirigible balloon a severe if not decisive defeat. This view is shared by eminent specialists in the field of aeronautics. It´s point out that the elements had no part in this accident, but that rather at the time of the catastrophe the most splendid weather prevailed.

The “Figaro” says:

“There is nobody in France, who will not welcome these too many victims of the air full of respect.”

The “Debats” and others:

A natural feeling of compassion and the sympathic joint surety stirs in these serious circumstances for the victims of this horrific accident and for our neighbors, who does not a failure discourage. The mishap, which persistently pursues their Zeppelins, does not succeed nor in shaking their strong confidence nor in slowing down their activities. A dirigible balloon disappears – another replaces it. Thus Germany is an example of steadfastness and energy, which to admire on cannot avoid.

England

London, 1913-10-18

The “Daily Chronicle” says:

Germany has paid for the conquest of the air a high price, higher than any other nation. France has perhaps lost a hundred of his sons, Germany mourns the loss of a much larger number. The “L2” is the tenth dirigible balloon of the Zeppelin´s  system, that has fallen victim to a catastrophe. The long list of these accidents must ultimately destroy the confidenc in the usefulness of the dirigibles. Today it is clear that the future belongs to the plane and not to the dirigible.

The “Daily Mail” says:

The fact that to the dangers of destruction by the elements there comes the danger of explosion must inevitably raise doubts about the value of the dirigibles.

The “Times” writes:

In these tragic circumstances it would be forgivable if only temporarly a feeling of depression would take possession of the German public. But we would be very disappointed if the loss of two such great airships would impede the progress in the aeronautical development of Germany. A few hours after the accident of the “L2” the passenger ship “Hansa” flew over Berlin. The mourners will have seen in it an encouraging sign for the future.

Major Powell, a man whose word in the circle of airmen deserves to be heard, sent a letter to the Times, in which he conjures the science to do everything to invent an unexplodable gas, that would be suitable to be used for airships.

The “Daily Telegraph” says:

In this moment the sympathy of the british people, whose own feelings have been placed in excitement by the recents events, turns with admiration and sadness to the whole nation across the North Sea. The German people are rising up against this blow with a maturity that excites our admiration. The immediate decision to send up the other airship struck in this hour of grief a note, which the English know to appreciate.

The Germans share with us the peculiarity to straighten up proudly after a momentary defeat and the decision not to retreat, only because a misfortune has befallen them. We have no doubt that he goal of development of the perfect airship will despite of all the terror be persued not only in Germany, but also in England.

Reactions not only from the immediate neighboring countries on the crash of the Naval Airship L2 (Zeppelin LZ 18):

Vienna, 1913-10-17

Feldzeugmeister Krobatin to the Secretary of the Navy Office:

“With deep emotion the shocking news about the explosion of the Naval Airship “L2” has been noted. Heartfelt participation fulfills our whole army, especially as the insidious elements have ruthlessly destroyed not only the airship, but also the precious lives of many clever  comrades. 

I am honered to express, with this latest and so distressing occasion, my and the Imperial and Royal Army sincerely felt condolences to the German navy to this terrible loss. (signed) v. Krobatin, Feldzeugmeister.”

The Präsidialvorstand of the Martime Section of the War Department this morning expressed in an official manner the condolences of the Austro-Hungarian fleet to the misfortune of the “L2” at the German Embassy. 
 

Hungary 

Budapest, 1913-10-18

The Prime Minister, Count Tisza to the joint Foreign Minister, Count Berchtold:

“On the occasion of the shocking accident of Johannistal, I request Your Excellency to express my deep and sincere sympathy to the Imperial German Government and the Hungarian government. ”

Italy

Prince Louis of Savoy, Duke of Abruzzi:

“Deeply moved by the momentous catastrophe that the Naval Airship “L2” has been affected by, I ask Your Excellency to accept the assurances of my sincere sympathy to the bereaved. Luigi Savoia.”

Rom, 1913-10-17

The Italian Minister of War and the Navy Minister have expressed condolences of the Italian army and navy in Berlin by telegram.

Rom, 1913-10-18

The “Popolo Romano” reports that the Minister of War and Navy Minister have expressed condolences of the Italian army and navy in Berlin by telegram to the catastrophe of the Naval Airship “L2“.  
 

France

Paris, 1913-10-17

President Poincaré to Imperior Wilhelm:

“I learn from the painful misfortune that has befallen the Naval Airship “L2” and from its terrible consequences. I beg Your Majesty to believe in my sincere condolences to the families of the unfortunate victims. I renew to Your Majesty the assurances of my esteem. Signed Poincaré.”

The Navy Minister Baudin, who is currently in Tunis, and there learnt about the disaster in the early afternoon already, sent a telegram of condolence to the German naval administration.

Paris, 1913-10-18

Navy Minister Baudin asked in a telegram to the French Embassy in Berlin the French Naval Attaché to go to the Admiralty to express condolences to the liveliest of the Minister and the French Navy to commemorate the misfortune of the Naval Airship “L2“. 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Pichon, and Navy Minister Baudin have expressed condolences to the German ambassador, Baron von Schoen, on the occasion of the catastrophe of the “L2“.

The French Aero Club to the German Aeronaut Association:

“Deeply moved by the terrible catastrophe of the Zeppelin airship the Aero Club of France expresses it s sympathetic participation to the German Aeronaut Association.”

Furthermore from the Swedish, Dutch and Greek Minister of Marine as well as the from the commander of the Austro-Hungarian airshipmen Department heartfelt condolence telegrams got in. Countless are as well the testimonies of sincere sympathy of cities and communities, corproations, companies and individuals. 

Condolence telegrams of the Emperor and Empress to the Imperial Navy Office:

Bonn. 1913-10-17

“Once again a terrible blow has taken my Navy. The airship “L2” has fallen victim to an explosion and nearly 30 brave men, including the most competent supporters of the new weapon, had to leave their lives. Their death in service of our country provides them with mine and the whole German nation*s honorable rememberance.

Their families is our most heartfelt condolences for sure. But the sadness about what has happened will, I am convinced of, only spur to renewed efforts to develop the so important airship weapon to a reliable fund of war. Wilhelm I.R.”

Potsdam. New Palais.

“I am deeply shocked by the anewed misfortune that our navy has suffered from the accident of the Naval Airship “L2“. The Lord help the poor bereaved. Would be grateful to you for further news. Viktoria.” 
 

Berlin 1913-10-17

The Chancellor wrote to Admiral von Tirpitz the following telegram:

“Deeply moved by the sad news of the loss of the “L2” I express Your Excellency and the Imperial Navy my heartfelt sympathy. Concurrently I beg Your Excellency to express also to the bereaved of the crew, who in service of the kingdom found an honorable soldier´s death, my condolences. (Signed)Bethmann Hollweg.”

The telegram of Graf Zeppelin:

“Who could be more deeply moved and more deeply grieve with the navy than I do.”

Berlin. 1913-10-18

Other telegrams to the State Grand Admiral v. Tirpitz:

The Empress:

“Deeply shocked by the news of the new catastrophe that has befallen the navy, I ask you to express to the bereaved of those brave men who, in faithful performance of duty, found death, my heartfelt and warmest sympathy. May God console the bereaved in their great pain. Auguste Viktoria.”

The Crown Prince:

“Spreche Euerer Exzellenz mein tiefgefühltes Beileid aus zu dem erneuten erschütternden Verlust, der unsere Marine betroffen hat.”

The Grand Duke of Oldenburg:

“Receive Your Excellency my warmest part in the serious accident that has befallen the navy. Friedrich August.”

The Senat of Bremen to the Emperor:

“Deeply shocked by the destruction of the Naval Airship “L2“, which also the brave crew fell victim, the Senate expresses respectfully Your Majestyits heartfelt sympathy to the heavy loss, that has affected Your Majesty and the Imperial Navy.” 

At the same time the Senate has also the Secretary of the Navy Office expressed his condolences by telegram. 

Frankfurt a.M., 1913-10-17

The leadership of the German Airship-A.-G. has specified, that as a sign of sympathy for the catastrophy of the Naval Airship all trips with passenger airships on saturday shall be cancelled.The people´s trips of the “Viktoria Luise”, that on the occasion of the centennial celebration should have taken place in Frankfurt and for which a very large number of applications existed, are to be moved to one of the next days. The planned celebration at the Frankfurt airport also falls out. All airship ports of the Delag in Germany put their flags at half mast.

The Delag has sent condolence telegrams to the Secretary of State Tirpitz, the Graf Zeppelin and the widow of Captain Gluud.  

The “Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung” wrote about the airship catastrophe:

“Lively sympathy for the victioms of the catastrophe who in loyal devotion to duty in the service of the empire had to lose their lives, will be awakened by the sad news everywhere. The more closely the cheerful participation of our people in the admirable achievements of the airshipment is, the more painful will be the most districts affected by such severe accidents, which the great advantages in technology have not been able yet to prevent.

In gratitude, the country commemorates the brave men who where so suddenly torn from their effectiveness.”

The Protestant garrison church at th Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz filled a large mourners. It was to prove the Officers and the Crew, killed in the Zeppelin Airship “L2“, their last respect. Yesterday the coffins were transferred in solemn procession from the military hospital to the church and have been laid out in two long rows in the sanctuary. In the middle the coffins of the officers, right and left these of the NCOs and other ranks.

War flags of the navy are stretched beneath the colorful glazed window choir, sailors and Marines are keeping the guard of honor. Among the hundreds of wreaths the coffins are completely covered. Dedication belts in all colors adorn them.

The celebration begins with the  song “Jesus my confidence”.  Then the military Senior Pastor  Goens and the Catholic Garrison  Pastor address the audience.  Vocals close the moving ceremony.

Dull roll the timpani of the Kürassier band. Silently coffin onto coffin will be lifted on the cars by the marines. The impressive cortege leaves in the gold of the October sun, under falling red leaves, to the Garrison Cemetery in Hafenheide.

The six imperial princes in the funeral procession, from left to right: Prince Oskar, Prince August Wilhelm, Prince Adalbert, the Crown Prince, Prince Eitel Friedrich, Prince Joachim. (Quelle: Rhein und Düssel)

Would the closures of the photographers not rattle, no sound would disturb the peace. Only here and there a whimper from a woman´s mouth in front of one of the seven coffins, which are embedded here in a common grave. 

The flags are cut, the heads expose themselves to prayer for the brave, who are now given back to the “earth of their country for which they died”. So the priest says in heart-reaching speech.

Then the three infantry volleys, short as three whips; muffled thunder of twelve gunshots; and now the emperors sons, all six, approach the grave and show their last respect to the dead, while the sobs die away.
 

	The german Crown Prince scatters as first flowers in the grave. He was followed by the other princes and all the generals. (Quelle: Rhein und Düssel)
	Graf Zeppelin at the open grave (Quelle: Die Woche)

In the church the imperial were left with the Crown Princess. Empress and Crown Princess step into the circle of relatives of the deceased, ach adjudging a friendly word of comfort and oppressing the hand to condolence.

Then farewell to the imperial family. Indefinite crowds do them again in silence reverent greeting.

It was a deeply moving fatherland ceremony. Involuntarily the gazes address spying the height, wether there would not appear an air cruiser at the top as honorary escort. We are connected precisely with the Zeppelin works already in the closest.

The heroes who have sacrified their lives for the great German cause, no rest in the earth´s lap.

On the way back one encounters a single hearse that takes a dead body to the railway station. How abruptly side by side are proud victory in the air and the shattering death plunge.

It sounds here like an old cavalry song:

“One dreams of victory wreaths, 
one also thinks of death.”

Already this morning, before the church was opened to the admission tickets bearing mourners, had Prince Adalbert in order of the imperial couple laid a wreath on each coffin. Of all german princes, the units, associations, clubs of the naval personnel etc. were sent wreaths and palm branches.

On a black velvet cussions are resting the decorations and medals, which the dead had borne. The galleries of the church were filled with marines, delegations of the naval stations that participated on the orders of the Emperor at the funeral. In the front rows of the nave, the relatives were seated, for the mourners some of the benches on the right side of the nave were kept clear.

Soon the sunlit chamber is filled. The entire Admiralty and the in Berlin present Generals were represented at the funeral convention. All officers of the Greater-Berlin garrison had sent delegations. Representatives of the magistracy and the Reichstag President Kaempf were present. Among representatives of foreign states resigns at first the French naval attache a huge wreath with a long ribbon in colors of the tricolor.

Meanwhile the on the funeral parade commanded troops are taking establishment in front of the church. A sqadron of Guard cuirassiers with the regimental band ride on and the Life guards of the 1st Battery Guards Field Artillery Regiment goes on. The bells are committed with swinging bells. Through the masses, who surround in a wide arc  the cordoned-off sqare in front of the church, goes a movement. The yellow and brown imperial cars drive in. With dignified gravity the imperial couple is greeted silently. Emperor and Empress are expected in front of the church from the Crown Prince and Prince Eitel Friedrich, Adalbert, August William, Oscar and Joachim.

The emperor in admiral´s uniformat first welcomed Grand Admiral von Tirpitz and then the old Count Zeppelin, who had appeared in Uhlan uniform. Longer time he spoke with the two gentlemen. Thereafter the Emperor greeted the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince and his other sons. Their Majesties then took place on the right loge of the church.

The Protestant garrison church at th Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz filled a large mourners. It was to prove the Officers and the Crew, killed in the Zeppelin Airship “L2“, their last respect. Yesterday the coffins were transferred in solemn procession from the military hospital to the church and have been laid out in two long rows in the sanctuary. In the middle the coffins of the officers, right and left these of the NCOs and other ranks.

War flags of the navy are stretched beneath the colorful glazed window choir, sailors and Marines are keeping the guard of honor. Among the hundreds of wreaths the coffins are completely covered. Dedication belts in all colors adorn them.

The celebration begins with the  song “Jesus my confidence”.  Then the military Senior Pastor  Goens and the Catholic Garrison  Pastor address the audience.  Vocals close the moving ceremony.

Dull roll the timpani of the Kürassier band. Silently coffin onto coffin will be lifted on the cars by the marines. The impressive cortege leaves in the gold of the October sun, under falling red leaves, to the Garrison Cemetery in Hafenheide.

The six imperial princes in the funeral procession, from left to right: Prince Oskar, Prince August Wilhelm, Prince Adalbert, the Crown Prince, Prince Eitel Friedrich, Prince Joachim. (Quelle: Rhein und Düssel)

Would the closures of the photographers not rattle, no sound would disturb the peace. Only here and there a whimper from a woman´s mouth in front of one of the seven coffins, which are embedded here in a common grave. 

The flags are cut, the heads expose themselves to prayer for the brave, who are now given back to the “earth of their country for which they died”. So the priest says in heart-reaching speech.

Then the three infantry volleys, short as three whips; muffled thunder of twelve gunshots; and now the emperors sons, all six, approach the grave and show their last respect to the dead, while the sobs die away.
 

	The german Crown Prince scatters as first flowers in the grave. He was followed by the other princes and all the generals. (Quelle: Rhein und Düssel)
	Graf Zeppelin at the open grave (Quelle: Die Woche)

In the church the imperial were left with the Crown Princess. Empress and Crown Princess step into the circle of relatives of the deceased, ach adjudging a friendly word of comfort and oppressing the hand to condolence.

Already this morning, before the church was opened to the admission tickets bearing mourners, had Prince Adalbert in order of the imperial couple laid a wreath on each coffin. Of all german princes, the units, associations, clubs of the naval personnel etc. were sent wreaths and palm branches.

On a black velvet cussions are resting the decorations and medals, which the dead had borne. The galleries of the church were filled with marines, delegations of the naval stations that participated on the orders of the Emperor at the funeral. In the front rows of the nave, the relatives were seated, for the mourners some of the benches on the right side of the nave were kept clear.

Soon the sunlit chamber is filled. The entire Admiralty and the in Berlin present Generals were represented at the funeral convention. All officers of the Greater-Berlin garrison had sent delegations. Representatives of the magistracy and the Reichstag President Kaempf were present. Among representatives of foreign states resigns at first the French naval attache a huge wreath with a long ribbon in colors of the tricolor.

Meanwhile the on the funeral parade commanded troops are taking establishment in front of the church. A sqadron of Guard cuirassiers with the regimental band ride on and the Life guards of the 1st Battery Guards Field Artillery Regiment goes on. The bells are committed with swinging bells. Through the masses, who surround in a wide arc  the cordoned-off sqare in front of the church, goes a movement. The yellow and brown imperial cars drive in. With dignified gravity the imperial couple is greeted silently. Emperor and Empress are expected in front of the church from the Crown Prince and Prince Eitel Friedrich, Adalbert, August William, Oscar and Joachim.

The emperor in admiral´s uniformat first welcomed Grand Admiral von Tirpitz and then the old Count Zeppelin, who had appeared in Uhlan uniform. Longer time he spoke with the two gentlemen. Thereafter the Emperor greeted the Crown Princess, the Crown Prince and his other sons. Their Majesties then took place on the right loge of the church.

Then farewell to the imperial family. Indefinite crowds do them again in silence reverent greeting.

It was a deeply moving fatherland ceremony. Involuntarily the gazes address spying the height, wether there would not appear an air cruiser at the top as honorary escort. We are connected precisely with the Zeppelin works already in the closest.

The heroes who have sacrified their lives for the great German cause, no rest in the earth´s lap.

On the way back one encounters a single hearse that takes a dead body to the railway station. How abruptly side by side are proud victory in the air and the shattering death plunge.

It sounds here like an old cavalry song:

“One dreams of victory wreaths, 
one also thinks of death.”

The rescue work turned out to be extremely difficult:

The cleanup work was startet yesterday afternoon at 5 ‘o clock by pioneers. The teams advanced with saws, axes, spades and other tools and to do extremely difficult work. The debris were partly wedged together and often had to be sawed apart with saws. The single pieces were thrown onto a big pile and will be removed this morning.

At the clean-up the completely charred corpses of Sailmaker Petty Officer Müller and Engineer Schüler from Friedrichhafen were found. The men of the Marine Detachment, despite the injuries that they acquired from the pointed and sharp wreckage, entered couregeously the tangle of metal and wires. With strong ropes they pulled apart the skeleton and tried to reach the corpses.

Apart of the military experts from the Imperial Navy and numerous officers of any type of weapon also appeared Fire Chief Reichel from the Berlin Fire Department with the Fire Inspectors Hammer and Mende and several Fire Chiefs at the accident scene. Furthermore many well-known exprts, including Professor von Parseval, Major Gross, Captain von Jena and Colonel Messing. At about 7 p.m. the clean-up works where cancelled. The accident scene was encircled by the men of the 3rd Guards regiment, who arrived at 7 p.m., the whole night through.

The brave mechanics and officers have died as they stood at their posts. In the front guide gondola the found the bodies of Captain Lieutenant Freyer, Lieutenant Commander Behnisch and the other two officers and Captain Gluud. Captain Lieutenant Freyer had clung to a wire and pulled leather jacket over his head, apparently to protect himself to the last against the flames. Gluud was completely charred on the upper body. Also the body of Lieutenant Commander presented a terrible sight. The mechanics where found mostly stretched out along the engines at their posts, which they had occupied at the moment when death overtook them.

The worst seem to have had suffered the teams at the rear gondola. Here, the explosion acted less strong and the fire destroyed the rear end only on the ground completely. Here the Marine Chief Engineers Busch and Haussmann were found.