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Zeppelin Raids - The First World War - 1915

In June 1916 the German air force launched another of it's daring Zeppelin raids. This particular raid was on the city of Hull, important to the British war effort as it was, and still is, a major port.

Two Zeppelins, which are large airships, crossed the North Sea during the night and proceeded up the River Humber to Hull. Despite being seen by coastal defences, who took evasive action, the Zeppelins were able to manoeuvre themselves over industrialised areas and drop, according to eye witness accounts, three bombs on the city. The bombing resulted in a great deal of damage being done to parts of Hull. Official documents, available on the Public Records Office Website, show that 19 people were killed and a further 24 badly injured.

Even in the First World War there was localised provision for dealing with air raids. In Hull a blackout had been ordered once the Zeppelin's had been seen approaching the coast. There were anti aircraft guns and the local fire brigade was prepared to deal with the carnage inflicted by an air raid.

Zeppelin links - Public Record Office, Spartacus, Hellfire corner, This is Bradford.

Waiting to go 'over the top' was a terrible experience for soldiers. Listen to this diary entry to discover what emotions were felt.