Zeppelin raid on Cleethorpes 31st March - 1st April 1916

Zeppelin raid on Cleethorpes 31st March - 1st April 1916

On the 31st March 1916, 5 Zeppelins set out to attack London and East Anglia, however as it approached England, Zeppelin L22, developed engine problems, so instead of heading for London changed course for Grimsby docks. Shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday 1 April it crossed the east coast. As the Zeppelin passed over the vicinity, searchlights locked on to it and an anti-aircraft gun opened fire. The Zeppelin released some bombs which landed harmlessly in open countryside near Cleethorpes. It then headed out to sea, before turning round for a second attack. Three further bombs were dropped. One landed in Sea View Street, shattering shop windows; a second destroyed the local council offices; while the third scored a direct hit on the Baptist Church Hall where men of the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment were billeted. Of the men in the building, 27 died instantly and 4 were fatally injured, dying soon after from their wounds. The majority of men were wounded but four men were rescued uninjured from a small cellar under the hall where they had been playing a game of cards. Due to reporting restrictions the Times reported it as occurring ‘in a village of no military significance’. This community contains those that lost their lives in the attack.

Created by: , Fife3190

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  • Born 1893

    Died 1916

    British Army 33055 Lance Corporal Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 32914 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1882

    Died 1916

    British Army 34637 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 34637 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 32323 Lance Corporal Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 32323 Lance Corporal Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1879

    Died 1916

    British Army 30401 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 30401 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1896

    Died 1916

    British Army 32215 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 32215 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1897

    Died 1916

    British Army 32034 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 32034 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 34633 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 34633 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 34620 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 34620 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1892

    Died 1916

    British Army 30117 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

    British Army 30117 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd Bn

  • Profile picture for Samuel Bell

    Born 1886

    Died 1916

    British Army 9779 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 9779 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 27591 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 27591 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 2425 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 2425 Private Manchester Regiment 2nd manchest Battalion

    British Army 2425 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Profile picture for Joseph Radford

    Born 1897

    Died 1916

    British Army 27724 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

    British Army 27724 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 30126 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 30126 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1897

    Died 1916

    British Army 34618 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 34618 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 30358 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 30358 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Died 1916

    British Army 30241 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 30241 Private Manchester Regiment

  • Died 1916

    British Army 34621 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 34621 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion

  • Born 1884

    Died 1916

    British Army 27537 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd manchest Battalion

    British Army 27537 Private Manchester Regiment 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion