2.1.3 The bombing of Hartlepool

Civilians were also bombed from ships at sea, a terrifying experience as there was little warning and no visible enemy. A famous example was the bombing of Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby on 16 December 1914. This surprise bombardment by German ships killed 137 people. Three German warships fired more than 1,000 shells during the bombardment. The coastal defence batteries inflicted some damage on the warship Blücher, but found themselves outgunned. The raids were used in recruitment drives by the British military. Posters were produced with the headings ‘Remember Scarborough! Enlist now’ and ‘Men of Britain! Will you stand this?’