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The Defeat of the Zeppelins (Hardback)

Zeppelin Raids and Anti-Airship Operations 1916-18

Aviation WWI

By Mick Powis
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 284
ISBN: 9781526702494
Published: 30th May 2018

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Mick Powis describes the novel threat posed to the British war effort by the raids of German airships, or Zeppelins, and the struggle to develop effective defences against them. Despite their size and relatively slow speed, the Zeppelins were hard to locate and destroy at first. They could fly higher than existing fighters and the early raids benefited from a lack of coordination between British services. The development of radio, better aircraft, incendiary ammunition, and, above all, a more coordinated defensive policy, gradually allowed the British to inflict heavy losses on the Zeppelins. The innovative use of seaplanes and planes launched from aircraft carriers allowed the Zeppelins to be intercepted before they reached Britain and to strike back with raids on the Zeppelin sheds. July 1918 saw the RAF and Royal Navy cooperate to destroy two Zeppelins in their base at Tondern (the first attack by aircraft launched from a carrier deck). The last Zeppelin raid on England came in August 1918 and resulted in the destruction of Zeppelin L70 and the death of Peter Strasser, Commander of the Imperial German Navy’s Zeppelin force.

The book certainly gives comprehensive coverage of the subject in one volume; it would be ideal for someone new to the subject and a handy reference for an existing enthusiast.

The Aviation Historian, Issue No 28

As featured in Library Additions

National Aerospace Society

Here Mick Powis has put his finger on the most important outcome of the defeat of the Zeppelins; the lessons learnt in the First World War against an enemy that often didn't know which towns it was bombing and was struggling stay aloft long enough to return home were invaluable when pitched against the Luftwaffe's more capable forces in 1940. If the chaos of 31st January 1916 raid were replayed in 1940, perhaps events in the Second World War would have played out differently.

Read the full review here

Stand Easy

A comprehensive coverage of the subject in one volume; ideal for someone new to the subject and a handy reference guide for an existing enthusiast.

Cross and Cockade Vol 49

The author has researched well and produce a very effective account of how the Zeppelins were countered. The clear text is supported by an excellent selection of images in a photo-plate section.

Read the full review here

Firetrench

Well-written and engaging work.

Highly commended. 10/10

The Great War magazine, November 2018

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Mr Powis has got a grip on the airship war and his account of the development and construction of the Zeppelins is as fascinating as the diary of their operations.

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War History Online

Weighing in at 284 pages and including a number of glossy black and white photographs, this is a well-produced and well-structured book that takes the reader on a journey through the entire war, from initial raids through to the fleet's eventual scuttling at the end of the war. The narrative chapters, exploring the airships, the tactics and the aircraft deployed to defend against them are well-written and full of interesting details.

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Chris Stevenson - Stand Easy Publishing

This fascinating book is illustrated by 34 black and white photographs and nine maps.

Aviation News, October 2018

A major plus point is that the book has an index, which is often lacking from such books, and without which it would be useless for research. The author includes enough history, technical explanations and anecdotes to make it more than just a list of air raids...

So is the book worth buying? It certainly gives comprehensive coverage of the subject in one volume; it could be ideal for someone new to the subject and be a handy reference for an existing enthusiast.

Adrian Roberts

As featured in.

Cher Ami, IPMS Great War SIG

About Mick Powis

Mick Powis is an experienced researcher who has written historical articles for local press in his home area of Wolverhampton. (More to follow)

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