Air Raids in the First World War

During the First World War, Britain came under air attack for the first time in its history. Britain’s home defence strategy initially focused on patrolling at sea and defending the shore with artillery. The threat of aerial attack was thus underestimated and defences were geared towards airships, leaving Britain ill-prepared to deal with enemy aircraft developments.

At the start of the war, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), forerunner of the RAF, was engaged in reconnaissance duties overseas, and few aircraft remained to defend Britain. Until 1916, the biggest aerial threat came from German airships, Zeppelins. At 11,000 feet, Zeppelins could turn off their engines, drifting silently to carry out surprise attacks.

Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, planned Britain’s air defence strategy. Street lights were dimmed and guns, searchlights, and observers were mobilised. Successive damaging Zeppelin attacks in 1915 and 1916 caused public outcry and government embarrassment. Some RFC and Royal Naval Air Service squadrons were recalled to assist, and defence switched from anti-aircraft guns to aeroplanes. Incendiary ammunition for aircraft was developed for bringing down the airships; Britain looked to be winning the aerial war.

In 1917 German Gotha bombers caused chaos, and Britain’s defence strategy evolved again to meet the threat. Wireless communication, coupled with sophisticated observation and reporting of enemy movements, enabled fighters to be despatched to meet the bombers. Barrage fire and balloon barrage forced enemy aircraft higher, compromising their bombing accuracy. By the end of the war, a huge observation network had been successfully developed for Britain’s defence.