Airship of Dreams

His Majesty's Airship R101, much like the Titanic ocean liner, was a symbol of luxury. She featured opulent interiors and lavish cabins, earning her the nickname "Titanic of the Skies."
Tragedy struck on October 5th, 1930, when - on her maiden voyage - the R101 crashed in France due to severe weather conditions, resulting in 48 fatalities. This disaster led to the end of the British airship industry and a decline in the development of airship travel worldwide.
This channel is dedicated to one of the passengers aboard that beautiful, bizarre aircraft when she exploded in flames. His name was William Palstra, and his life is remembered in the new book AIRSHIP OF DREAMS (Leaves of Gold Press 2024). 

Please browse our extensive playlists. There's historical footage of the R101 in flight; her leaving on the fatal voyage; the aftermath of the tragedy, and also films of other zeppelins and airships. Don't miss the "walk-throughs" of British airships created by the Airship Heritage Trust.