ZEPPELINS OVER LONDON - WORLD WAR ONE WALK 'N' TALK

It is the 9th of January 1915, and the Kaiser has approved the zeppelin attacks against England, spurring the German Naval Airship Division into action. After the first aborted mission, a second attack was scheduled on the night of 19/20 January. Their intended target was Humber but were blown of course, releasing the bombs over Great Yarmouth, Snettisham, and King’s Lynn instead. For the first time in military history, families at home were now under attack.

Raids across the country would continue throughout the war with a focus later put on to attacking the capital. Harry’s Walk ‘n’ Talk will take us through 1915 on London’s fourth raid – the costliest air raid of the First World War.

Meeting at Russel’s Square we will begin the tour discussing the causes of the First World War and the role aircraft took at the time, both here in the UK and across the channel in Europe. From here, our walk sets off to follow the zeppelin predator of L.13 on the night of the 8/9th of September.

The tour will have a focus on the raid which took place on the night of the 8/9th of September. Arriving in Queen’s Square, we will pause at the spot where the first high explosive bomb of the night landed where a weathered plaque rests marking the spot where the raid began. Continuing the walk through the streets of London we find the Dolphin Pub where the explosion of the bombs sets a chilling reminder. The Dolphin’s clock was dragged from the rubble with its hands frozen on the time when the pub was hit, killing three men. Also on route is St Bartholomew's Hospital which visibly shows the damage the building undertook by the L.13 bombing raid. However, the tour will also bring in aspects of other raids which took place within the capital during World War One.

Throughout the tour, we will also hold broader discussions within the World War One topic – the war in the air. Discussions will include how aerial reconnaissance altered the way battles were fought, how air power and the development of an air force change Britain’s war strategy, and the impact of German air bombing of Britain on public opinion, propaganda, and defence.

The tour will end not far from Moorgate Station and Liverpool Street Underground Station at Finsbury Circus Gardens.

If you want to gain a flavour of what London was like during one of these raids within the Great War whilst learning about the war in the air topic, this tour is perfect for you. Learn about what this night of terror meant for London as the biggest bomb yet used in the zeppelin raids was dropped from the skies causing twenty-six dead, eighty-seven injured, and half a million pounds worth of damage.

Please note: A minimum of three adult tickets or six child/student tickets are required in order for a tour to go ahead.

Host or Publisher Harry's Walk 'N' Talk