What were air raids like in World War One? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

How was Britain attacked from the air?

Britain faced its first air attacks in early 1915, catching the nation off guard as no one anticipated such raids. German airships, known as Zeppelins, dropped bombs that, while not precise, caused injuries and destruction. As the war progressed, warning systems like whistles alerted people to seek shelter in places like the Underground, cellars, or other safe spots.

What were Zeppelins?

• Zeppelins were German airships filled with hydrogen gas, allowing them to float. A crew in a compartment below controlled the engines and dropped bombs on factories and military targets. 
• In September 1916, William Leefe Robinson became the first to shoot down a Zeppelin over Britain, igniting the hydrogen and causing a crash. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, £3,500, and a promotion to Captain. 
• After this, Germany reduced its use of airships as Britain developed ways to counter them.

Gothas and Giants

Germany later introduced Gotha bombers, capable of long-range, high-altitude flights beyond the reach of British aircraft. A devastating Gotha raid on London on June 13, 1917, killed 162 people, including 18 children when a bomb hit a school. Germany then deployed an even larger bomber, the Giant, increasing the threat. These air raids were a key factor in the formation of the Royal Air Force in April 1918 to improve Britain’s air defenses and train more pilots.

How did people protect themselves?

• The government implemented measures to warn and protect citizens. Streetlights were dimmed to make it harder for enemy pilots to locate targets. 
• Whistles signaled approaching raids, searchlights aided gunners in spotting airships or planes, and policemen cycled through streets with “take cover” signs. 
• In London, people sheltered in Underground stations, under bridges, railway arches, or at home under stairs. In rural areas, people hid in sea caves, forests, or fields. Bugles sounded the “all clear” when attacks ended.

Who was affected by air raids?

• The air raids shocked everyone, as airships—once seen as luxurious transport for the wealthy—were now weapons dropping bombs. People were angry and frightened; a photo from October 1915 shows a policeman and two women outside a bombed house in Croydon. 
• Factories noted reduced productivity after raids due to emotional distress, and special church services honored the deceased. However, some Londoners were intrigued by the Zeppelins, with the Evening News reporting disappointment after the fifth raid for missing the “show.” Others collected Zeppelin fragments as souvenirs. 
• Posters helped people distinguish between British and German aircraft and were used to boost military recruitment by channeling public fear and anger.

How did life change?

Before the air raids, Britons were primarily concerned for soldiers fighting abroad. The raids brought danger to civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, at home. By the war’s end, air raids had killed nearly 1,500 British civilians and injured over 3,400, fundamentally altering the sense of safety on the home front.