Zeppelin Z9 leaves its mark
AT about 7pm on the evening of April 14, 1915, a fishing boat noticed the Zeppelin Z9 travelling slowly towards the north east coast.
As it approached the Tyne ships' hooters gave warning, and the airship veered northwards, arriving over Blyth at about 8pm.
Z9 then began a 20 mile circuit of the area, dropping some 20 bombs along the way. All were incendiaries but few dropped on targets of any importance.
From Blyth the Zeppelin went to Annitsford and Cramlington, before passing over Benton on its way to the Tyne at Wallsend.
At about 8.40pm two bombs were thrown into fields at Mr Berkeley's farm, just to the north of the Tyne.
Shortly afterwards three more were launched over Station Road.
Two fell in the street, and the third crashed through the back slope of the roof at 238 Station Road, setting it on fire.
Passing through the attic, the remnants of the bomb landed in the kitchen of the upper flat, where Mrs G Robinson was bathing her children.
Her seven-year-old son had his hair scorched but the little girl escaped uninjured and Mrs Robinson was able to put out the fire.
The postcard purports to show the bedroom furniture scattered by the blast.
Three bombs were dropped over Wallsend Station, setting the sleepers alight, and another landed in the river near the Swan Hunter shipyard.
The Zeppelin seems to have exhausted its supply of incendiaries, as it then turned west, and returned to Germany.
If anyone has further information ask for Local Studies on (0191) 200 5424 or leave a message at any branch of North Tyneside libraries.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
