This week has seen the 108th anniversary of the ramping up of the German ‘Blitz’ on London and the south east of England by Gotha and ‘Giant’ bombers of the German Airforce.
On 28th January 1917, some thirteen Gothas and two Giants attacked dropping bombs on many districts of London as well as coastal towns in Kent. One Gotha was shot down by Sopwith Camels of 44 Squadron (Home Defence) and crashed in Essex killing the crew. Several other planes were lost on their return to occupied Belgium but this did not stop the Germans continuing the attacks on a nightly basis until 30th January.
Casualty figures differ depending on which account you read but between 60 and 70 people were killed and over 160 injured in what was a foretaste of what was to come in 1940/41.
I found this to be a fascinating topic to read about this week and can recommend you click on this link for Ian Castle’s very detailed web site.
