Various experiments were carried out in towing airships by
cruisers, in refuelling while in tow and changing crews, all of
which would have borne good fruit had the war lasted longer.
An exceedingly interesting experiment was carried out during the
closing stages of the war by an airship of the S.S. Zero type.
At this period the German submarines were gradually extending
their operations at a greater distance from our coasts, and the
authorities became concerned at the prospect that the small type
of airship would not possess sufficient endurance to carry out
patrol over these increased distances. The possibility was
considered of carrying a small airship on board a ship which
should carry out patrol and return to the ship for refuelling
purposes, to replenish gas, and change her crew. To test the
feasibility of this idea S.S. Z 57 carried out landing
experiments on the deck of H.M.S. Furious, which had been adapted
as an aeroplane carrier. S.S. Z 57 came over the deck and
dropped her trail rope, which was passed through a block secured
to the deck, and was hauled down without difficulty. These
experiments were continued while the ship was under weigh and
were highly successful. No great difficulty was encountered in
making fast the trail rope, and the airship proved quite easy to
handle.
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