History Daily 1298: The First Zeppelin Raid on Britain
Jan 19, 2026
On January 19, 1915, Germany launched the first zeppelin raid on Britain, shocking civilians and changing warfare forever. The podcast delves into the terror these airships brought, killing innocent people in English towns. It highlights Sub-Lieutenant Rex Warnford's daring pursuit of these flying giants and his tragic yet heroic story. Discover how incendiary bullets turned the tide against the zeppelins and led to their decline, marking a significant shift in aerial warfare's history.
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First Zeppelin Raid Over Britain
- On January 19, 1915, a Zeppelin dropped bombs on Great Yarmouth, surprising civilians at home in the evening.
- The raid killed four people and introduced Britain to aerial attacks on civilian towns.
Airships Changed The Home Front
- The January 19 raid marked the start of Zeppelin bombing campaigns against Britain, shifting warfare into the air.
- Zeppelins became a psychological weapon that darkened British skies and damaged civilian morale.
Rex Warnford's Determination
- Sub-Lieutenant Reginald Rex Warnford repeatedly chased Zeppelins and vowed not to return until he'd shot one down.
- His persistence set the stage for later daring attacks on German airships.