Airship crew ranks/trades

[Adrian Roberts]

A few weeks ago, new forum member Luftschiffe 1 kindly offered extracts from his work on the excavations of the crash sites of Zeppelins L48 and L31. I took up his offer, and it was very interesting.

The article lists the crews of these vessels. Can anyone interpret the ranks: - the literal meanings and British equivalents? I'm familiar with the Commissioned ranks but not the other ranks. I asked the author but he has not researched this particular aspect as yet.

One man is listed simply as Maat - what does that mean?

Then there is :

Bootsmanmaat

Obermatrose

Maschinistenmaat (presumably the engine mechanics. L48 carried seven OberMaschinistenmaats and no Maschinistenmaats - an incentive to volunteer perhaps?)

Maschinist (as distinct from the above?)

Segelmachersmaat

Funkentelegrafieobergast, Funkentelegrafienmaat, Signalmanmaat - presumably all types of wireless operator but what was the difference?

And

Steuermann - presumably the steersman

Of course these are Navy ranks so perhaps I should ask on the War at Sea section, but I'll ask our Zeppelin experts first!

Adrian

[Dolphin]

Adrian

I'll email you a document which should explain all.

Cheers

Gareth