KEIGHLEY schoolchildren are making a film about the famous visit to town by the Hindenburg airship.

Pupils of three primary schools are researching the fly-over by the German Zeppelin three years before the Second World War.

They plan to speak to Keighley residents who witnessed the incident, which was reported in newspapers across the world.

The Hindenburg flew over central Keighley to drop a crucifix and carnations for the grave of First World War German prisoners. But it has been suggested the airship was also on a spying mission, helping prepare maps for a planned invasion of Britain.

The Hindenburg visited Keighley on May 22 1936 on its journey home from the USA.

Father John P Schulte, a priest aboard the Hindenburg, dropped the crucifix and carnations because his brother, Lt Franz Schulte, was one of the Germans buried in Morton Cemetery.

The film is the brainchild of Keighley Festival leading light Malcolm Hanson, and will involve pupils of Roman Catholic primary schools St Joseph’s, St Anne’s and Our Lady of Victories. Mr Hanson last year worked with schools on a film about the history of Catholicism in Keighley, entitled Built On Faith, which received a red-carpet premiere at the Picture House cinema.

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Mr Hanson has given each school a separate research task in advance of filming next month.

Children from St Joseph’s have formed Team Hindenburg to track down town residents who witnessed the Hindenburg’s visit.

Mr Hanson said: “The children are keen to meet people like my mum, who as a child witnessed the Hindenburg flying over the Bradford rooftops.

“The team wishes to record people’s memories so they can get a better understanding of the events prior to filming.

“They also need to hear from descendants of those who witnessed the events and who may have kept photos, news clippings – basically anything that will help. They will also be looking to interview local historians and historical societies to get their take on the story.”

St Anne’s and Our Lady of Victories will soon be making appeals for people to contact them regarding other aspects of the story.

Contact Malcolm by emailing malcolm.b.hanson@gmail.com or calling 01756 798730.