R38: Summer Evening Disaster

Death, disease and destruction seem like an apt topic after several flu-rich days. So today’s post is about a tragic moment in Hull’s history involving a zeppelin, death and surprisingly no Germans! We’ll get back to a similar story with Germans some other time. I came across the story of the R38 when I visited the Hull History Centre a while ago and picked up a book on disasters that had happened in the local area. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, mmyes. 

We Want a Big Ship!

The British had commissioned the construction of the airship R38 while World War I was still laying waste to Europe. The plan was to create the most powerful airship known to man, which would put the German zeppelins to shame. It was to patrol far out at sea for up to a week. The R38 was 695ft (212m) long, 85.5ft (26m) in diameter and it could reach a speed of 71mph (114kmh). Another three zeppelins of the same kind were planned but as the war ended, they just weren’t a priority anymore.

The R38 however, was already in the making. After the war, the construction was paused but an American interest in airship technology ensured that it was completed in 1921. It flew from its construction site in Cardington near Bedford to Howden in East Yorkshire, where it was to be housed. America had offered Britain $2,500,000 for the airship and Britain happily accepted. Click here for a picture of the airship in its Howden base.

Rushing the Trial Period (Because That's Always a Good Idea)

Experts, who had observed the flight of the giant from Bedford to Yorkshire were concerned - R38 had shown numerous faults, including rather worrying buckling of the grinders. They therefore advised a minimum of 150 hours of test flights before it should be allowed to cross the Atlantic. The Air Ministry however, decided that 50 hours were plenty and rushed the trials. American officers arrived to be trained and eventually take R38, which was to be renamed ZR2, to its new American home.

The Final Flight

On 23 August 1921 the zeppelin was scheduled for another trial flight to Norfolk. Once in Norfolk, the fog was too thick to land, which is why it was decided to cruise over the North Sea for the night and to try landing again the next day. However, the next day, visibility had not improved so the airship turned around and set off towards its Howden base. Various manoeuvres and trials were carried out along the way, including sharp turns at quite high speed.These turns coupled with the fact that the R38 was made from lightweight metal proved to be its literal downfall. 

On a warm summer evening at 5.30pm the R38 passed Hull near Victoria Pier. Thousands of people were on their way home after work as they witnessed a large explosion that tore the R38 in half. Onlookers reported that the midsection just seemed to crumple. The explosion burst numerous windows in Hull. R38’s burning remains fell into the Humber estuary. Boats were sent out immediately to look for survivors, which was a dangerous undertaking as the Humber itself was burning due to the engine’s petrol. You can find  picture of the wreckage being retrieved here.

America had paid $2,000,000 for the ship already, the final $500,000 would have been transferred upon arrival of R38 on American soil. Both governments agreed that they were equally liable for the loss. According to the official report, R38 exploded because it wasn’t strong enough to withstand the stress of a sharp turn at high speed.

Of the British and American crew, 44 people died. Only 5 crewmen, who had been in the back section, were lucky enough to survive the accident.