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Here is a fascinating card showing a very early UK military dirigible, the R-33 Airship. It lost its mooring in a storm and floated uncontrolled across the sea to Holland. The photo was taken by the Claremont Photographic Store photographer, who was much more used to taking photos of happy tourists. The photo location was from the ramp from the north of the pier leading down to the beach.

CHASE AFTER AIRSHIP R33 BY LIFEBOAT AND GUNBOAT AIRSHIP WAS 10,000 FEET UP (Reuter's Message.)
London, April 16.

The R33 passed over Lowestoft in a fierce south-westerly gale. Her propellers were working, but the mooring ropes were hanging down and lashing about. She proceeded north-eastward right out to sea, and was soon lost to sight in the distance. The fishery protection gunboat Godetia, which was moored in the harbor at Lowestoft, and the motor lifeboat, Agnes Cross, immediately put to sea at full speed in the same direction.

They soon also disappeared in a thick rain. The coxswain of the motor lifeboat, which followed the R33, has returned to Lowestoft. He said he first noticed the airship when she dropped a white light which is a signal of distress. He immediately mustered the crew of the life boat and put to sea. The airship was then 10,000ft. up with her broadside to the wind and driving eastwards. There were frequent rain squalls, the visibility was bad and the wind was blowing at the rate of 60 miles an hour. The sea was very rough. When the lifeboat was 17 miles out the gunboat Godetia overtook it, and, the lifeboat then returned. The airship was then apparently on a level keel and going before the wind. The coxswain expressed the opinion that the crew is contemplating landing on the Dutch coast.

For another intresting take on this image, go to K0460 and take a look at this image.