[Homer_J_Simpson]

Airship was a term for a dirigible, like the Hindenburg

So a formation of four British dirigibles shot down the Heinkel?

[Tainan]

While screaming..."Curse You Red Baron!"

..Snoopy Rules the Sky!.

You're probably right Homer about the 'airship' term. I have also read it used in the manner you describe. I was just throwing out a guess. Dirigibles and blimps were fairly common at this stage of aviation history. Also know as "balloons." I think the structural type - rigid walls or soft walls - was a determining factor in the exact name/type of a/c they were called.
I also like - 'Lighter than air vehicle.'....lol