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In June 1915, Hull experienced its first and deadliest Zeppelin raid. Porter Street in the heart of the city felt the brunt of the bombardment, where three residents were killed.

For many the Zeppelins were a spectacle illuminated in the night sky, a marvel that soon turned to terror as Hull became a constant target throughout WW1. The city was often an unintended target as Zeppelins dropped their bombs if they were unable to reach their inland target. From above, German captains would follow railway lines along the coast that lead to the city, using flares to light up the docks area of Hull.

A steam buzzer by the name of ‘Big Lizzie’ could be heard across the city as a warning against Zeppelin raids, and became the largest steam buzzer ever made. Between 1915 and 1918 Hull was subject to eight bomb attacks with up to 50 air raid warnings.

Location: Porter Street, Hull HU1 2RH
Image: Porter Street after the Zeppelin raid. Photograph courtesy of Paul Gibson