Hundreds gathered in Potters Bar on Saturday at the spot where a German Zeppelin came to Earth exactly 100 years on from the fatal incident.

In a touching tribute, the Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Pete Rutledge and Colonel Hermann Hanke of the German Air Attaché shook hands over a wreath laid in honour to the lost airmen, as the haunting sounds of a bugle played the Last Post. They were watched by a large crowd who gathered, despite heavy rain, to pay their respects in Oakmere Park where the doomed ship crashed.

More than 750 people flocked throughout the day to an outdoor film screening and exhibition about the Luftschiffe 31 (L31) Zeppelin, organised by Hertsmere Borough Council. On display were fragments of the airship removed from the crash-site and photos, as well as a replica Sopwith Pup, a one-seater plane used during World War One, and a bell shelter, donated by a local resident and used as a lookout post during the World Wars.

Thanks to everyone who gave up their time and energy to make Saturday's event happen, especially the volunteers from the Potters Bar Museum, the Battlefields Trust and the Great War Society, and members of the 1372 Elstree and Borehamwood Squadron Air Cadets band who performed on the day.

All 19 men on board were killed after the L31 was shot down by 2nd Lt Wulstan Joseph Tempest on 1 October 1916. Among the casualties was Heinrich Mathy, who was Germany's most successful air raid commander.

At the time, the downing of the airship captured the public imagination and was the subject of a large number of posters, articles and souvenir postcards. Second Lt Tempest received a Distinguished Service Order medal for his actions.

Funding for the event and the restoration of the bell shelter has been received from the Heritage Lottery. A permanent display of Zeppelin remains and memorabilia is available at Potters Bar Museum. For more information go to www.facebook.com/pottersbarmuseum