Viktoria-Luise 1912 Gotha-Chemnitz-Gotha Flight

1912

'Soldier letter' carried on the airship Viktoria-Luise (LZ11) and postmarked Gotha August 21, 1912. The cover also bears the "Luftpost Zeppelin Schiff Viktoria-Luise" ("Airmail zeppelin ship Viktoria-Luise") onboard postmark dated August 21, 1912. This letter would have either been dropped over Gotha or forwarded on to Gotha after the airship landed (most probably the latter). The notation on the lower left reads "Soldatenbrief - Eigene Angelegenheit des Empfängers" ("Soldier's letter -- personal business of the recipient"). Postage for a 'solder's letter' was paid by the recipient, thus enabling soldiers to send mail at no cost to themselves.