The first Zepplin raid and civilian bombing deaths

We are seeing, yet again, this time in Gaza, the horrifying impacts of air war on civilians.

It was on this day, 19 January 1915, at about 8:30 pm, that the first bombs of the First World War fell on Britain, at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. According to The Times there were two civilian fatalities, Samuel Smith, age 50, a shoemaker and Miss Martha Taylor, age 72.

A newspaper report of the inquest refers to William Smith, brother of Samuel, and Jane Taylor, twin sister of Martha, has having identified the bodies. I wondered if Martha Taylor might be a relative of the late genealogist Ryan Taylor whose home child grandfather was from Great Yarmouth, but was quickly able to rule out any close relationship.

This article describes the historic event.