Raming Zeplin

[gregoire]

A question, just after the first Zeplin was downed (by a RNAS pilot) a rumor took place of a french pilot raming a zepplin with his morane, I know such event never took place but do you have any occurence where a plane have ram a lighter than air (zepplin or balloon)

[Boom]

The RNAS Lt. (whose name escapes me just now) rolled his wheels along the top of the Zeppelin at one point.

As to ramming a gas-bag. The next sound you hear is a giant BOOIINNNGGG!!

Cheers, Boom

[jado]

Gregoire:

In Kenneth Poolman's book "Zeppelins Against London" though it makes no mention of anyone ramming a Zeppelin it does say "In the early days of the air defense, when the defending pilots' lack of success had first caused a great outcry from press and public, a dramatic instruction had appeared in the orders of one squadron, running thus, "If the airplane fails to stop the airship by the time all ammunition is expended, and the airship is still heading for London, then the pilot must decide to sacrifice himself and his machine and ram the airship at the utmost speed." *(pg 185).

Though Poolman gives no reference as to which squadron or commander gave this order I'm sure he must have added "Have a nice flight!"

* * * * * * * * * Joe