Zeppelin L33, commanded by Kapitan Alois Bocker, had bombed London, causing civilian deaths before being hit by an anti-aircraft shell on the night of September 24, 1916.
The zeppelin was then attacked above Chelmsford by a squadron of night fighters from Hainault Farm and she silently headed for the North Sea.
Notwithstanding several hits, the zeppelin managed to elude its attackers but despite jettisoning guns and equipment, Bocker realised his craft was doomed.
The airship eventually crash landed near New Hall Cottages, Little Wigborough, much to the alarm of locals who witnessed the dying moments of the limping leviathan.
Zepp recalled that the skipper skilfully brought his craft down to miss nearby cottages and to save his crew.
Deciding to set the ship on fire, Bocker knocked on the doors of the cottages to warn the families of his intentions.
But the terrified occupants refused to open the door so Bocker gave up and torched his zeppelin.
He then gathered his 21 crew and marched them toward Peldon, and, then events worthy of an episode of Dad's Army unfolded.
Travelling on his bicycle in the opposite direction, attracted by the fire, was Special Constable Edgar Nicholas.
He was taken aback by the sudden appearance of a body of men marching along a lane at that hour of the morning.
PC Nicholas dismounted and torch in hand asked Bocker whether he had seen a zeppelin crash.
But Bocker, in perfect English, asked back how many miles it was to Colchester. Nicholas replied: "About six"
He was thanked by Bocker who continued on his way with his men.
Nicholas, in his subsequent report on the incident, stated that he "at once recognised a foreign accent".
The Germans continued on their march, followed by Nicholas.
As they approached Peldon they were joined by Special Constable Elijah Taylor and Sergeant Ernest Edwards from Hatfield Board Oak, who was enjoying a few days' rest in the area.
The men considered their next move and eventually decided to escort the Germans to Peldon Post Office, where they found the local constable, PC Smith, who was busy trying to contact the military garrison at Colchester.
PC Smith took charge of the situation and formally arrested the German crew.
Bocker asked Smith if he might use the telephone but the request was politely refused.
He was told to march his men towards Mersea Island so they could be handed over to the military.
PC Smith led the way assisted by Special Constables Fairhead, Clement Hyam, Charles King, Elijah Taylor, Joseph May, Horace Charles Meade, Harry Beade and Nicholas.
En route they were met by a military detachment and the prisoners were formally handed over to them.
PC Smith was rewarded for his prompt actions by being promoted in the field to the rank of sergeant by the Chief Constable Captain Unett that same day and awarded the coveted Merit Star.
Force orders dated September 24 recorded the event thus: "PC Smith is promoted Sergeant and awarded the merit badge for coolness and judgement in handing over to the Military Authorities, the Commander and crew of a Zeppelin…"
From that day Mr Smith was known as 'Zepp'. He died in 1977 at the grand old age of 94.
