LZ 64 carried out thirty reconnaissance missions, including 8 attacks on Britain, dropping 9,215 kg (20,316 lb) of bombs.

The weather cleared as they approached Texel, and at 4:45 a.m. they spotted Brandaris, (the lighthouse on Terschelling), and a few minutes later LZ 64 about 10–15 mi (9–13 nmi; 16–24 km) away.

The Curtiss increased speed and gained height, with Leckie at the controls as Galpin manned the twin Lewis guns mounted in the bow.

The Curtiss managed to approach to within 0.5 mi (0.4 nmi; 0.8 km) before she was spotted, and the Zeppelin attempted to evade, but by then it was too late.

The aircraft dived down alongside and Galpin fired an entire drum of incendiary bullets at a range of about 50 yd (46 m).