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Zeppelin raids on Norfolk 100 years ago

A hundred years ago the Germans launched the first proper air raid on British shores around the Norfolk coast. It heralded a new era of warfare but their first targets were chosen entirely by chance.

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100th anniversary of first Zeppelin raid over Norfolk

Memorial to two of the victims Credit: ITV News Anglia

A memorial service will take place today marking the 100th anniversary of the first aerial bombardments of World War One, which took place over Norfolk on 19th January 1915.

Because of bad weather the German zeppelins were diverted to our coastline for the start of their bombing campaign.

Two airships dropped bombs on King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Sheringham, with the loss of four lives.

Sheringham Museum holds in its collection, one of the first bombs dropped on Britain during the raid.

One of the shells from the raid is held in Sheringham Museum Credit: ITV News Anglia
Jean Tuck, Granddaughter of eyewitness Credit: ITV News Anglia

"Nobody really knew what it was, there probably were some people who did know what it was. But nobody ran away or thought they would be in any danger, they just stood there looking up at it."

– Jean Tuck, Granddaughter of eyewitness

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