EDINBURGH 1916 - The Night The Zeppelin Came. A 110th anniversary talk

At the outbreak of the Great War, for the first time a major conflict would be fought on land, at sea and in the air. Britain’s island status could no longer protect it from attack as Germany launched a unique weapon against this nation – Zeppelin airships. Starting in early 1915, Zeppelin raiders had it very much their own way as Britain struggled to find a way to effectively oppose them. During this time Scotland had been beyond reach but with improved Zeppelins appearing in late 1915 and early 1916, that was about to change – Edinburgh now found itself on the front line too.

Ian’s well-illustrated talk will relate the story of the raid on Leith and Edinburgh bomb-by-bomb and detail the response offered by the city and, incorporating many eye-witness accounts, will provide a thorough narrative of that shocking night, the night when the Zeppelin came.  

Ian Castle is the author of several books on the German air raids during the First World War, including the highly-acclaimed ‘Forgotten Blitz’ trilogy, and is a regular speaker at WFA branches. In addition, he has been involved in a number of TV documentaries, regularly writes for magazines and Journals, has built an extensive website detailing the air raids, is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and an Ambassador for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. He lives in Surrey and is trusting the rail network to bring him safely to Edinburgh for the talk!

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.