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The bombardment of Hartlepool is perhaps the most well-known WW1 story on Teesside. It was the first attack on Britain for centuries.

The town was a good target because of its shipyards and engine works, which were crucial to the war effort.

The attack lasted less than an hour and had a devastating impact on the town. Shells from German ships cut through homes resulting in scores of casualties. The precise number of people who died is still not known.

Wounded civilians fled the area only to die at home from their injuries, which has made it difficult for historians to establish how many were killed.

Shots landed close to the Heugh Battery, killing Private Theophilus Jones. He became known as the first soldier to die on English soil during the war.

Location: Heugh Gun Battery, Hartlepool, Tees TS24 0PS
Image of Hartlepool bombardment
Image courtesy of Hartlepool Borough Council