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Airship over Truro, Cornwall. 1914 -1918

Airship over Truro, Cornwall. 1914 -1918


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Royal Cornwall Museum

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Airship over Truro, Cornwall. 1914 -1918

By 1916, German U-boats were sinking many merchant vessels and Royal Navy warships in the English Channel. It was decided to use airships to combat them and a major airship station, RNAS Mullion, was constructed on the Bonython Estate on the Lizard. Spread over 320 acres the complex contained everything from accommodation blocks, two airship hangars and gas storage tanks. The C9 airship known as " the darling of the Airship Service" was based at Mullion. In her period of service from June 1916 to September 1918 she flew 3, 270 hours, had one confirmed kill on a U-boat and three probable kills, covered more than 68, 000 miles and is reported to have never missed a patrol in her 805 days of service. Photographer: Unknown

Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture

TRURI : TTair.3

Media ID 12422476

© From the collection of the RIC

First World War One


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cornwall > Lizard

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cornwall > Mullion

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cornwall > Truro

> Royal Cornwall Museum > Transport

> Services > Royal Navy


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic moment of an airship soaring gracefully over Truro, Cornwall during the tumultuous years of 1914-1918. As German U-boats wreaked havoc in the English Channel, a strategic decision was made to employ airships as a means to combat these menacing vessels. Thus, RNAS Mullion emerged on the Bonython Estate at Lizard, boasting an expansive complex spread across 320 acres. Within this remarkable facility stood accommodation blocks, two colossal airship hangars, and massive gas storage tanks. Amongst these impressive structures resided the legendary C9 airship, affectionately known as "the darling of the Airship Service". From June 1916 to September 1918, she fearlessly patrolled the skies for an astonishing total of 805 days. During her service period, this mighty aerial vessel clocked an astounding 3,270 hours in flight time while covering over 68,000 miles. Her prowess extended beyond mere numbers; she boasted one confirmed kill on a U-boat and three probable kills - testament to her unwavering dedication and effectiveness in safeguarding British waters. The identity of the photographer responsible for capturing this awe-inspiring image remains unknown. Nonetheless, their lens immortalizes not only a significant chapter in Cornish history but also pays homage to those who valiantly served during World War I. This poignant snapshot serves as a reminder that even amidst turmoil and conflict, human ingenuity can prevail with grace

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