The way his exploits were explained to me make his efforts in downing the zeppelin quite remarkable. I understand he was considered too old for military training, but wanted to fly planes and help in the war effort, so he learned to fly privately before heading into service. The planes were one-person planes, and were one of the few at the time (I gather) capable of flying to sufficient height to go above the zeppelin's. From there he had to drop a type of hand held bomb out of the side of the cockpit. the bombs had a type of hook on it so it could attach to the zeppelin and detonate. I also believe the plane that he flew was donated to the war effort by a private businessman from India (I think). I like how he was so determined to help in the war effort that he just found a way to do it.