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Hartlepool Football Club: German Attack

Hartlepool FC's Victoria ground was hit by two German bombs in 1916.

The Zeppelin which had dropped them was lit up by search lights in the night sky. Thousands of people were in the streets to see what was happening.

After the attack work began on building a β€˜temporary’ stand, which remained in place until 1985, almost 70 years later. Unsuccessful attempts had been made to get compensation for the damage.

The German's had nothing particularly against Hartlepool FC. Although this Zeppelin was one of the most advanced ones in use, they were still notoriously inaccurate. It is believed that explosives were being dropped at random so the crew could get rid of their payload. Their aircraft was eventually shot down by a British aeroplane off the coast.

Location: Hartlepool FC, Clarence Road, Hartlepool TS24 8BZ
Image courtesy of Mark Simmons, Hartlepool Council

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4 minutes

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