The Hartlepool Bombardment: 100 Years On
Events are being held in Hartlepool today to mark 100 years since it was bombed at the start of the First World War.
Today marks 100 years since the bombardment of Hartlepool by the German Navy in the First World War.
130 civilians and military personnel were killed and more than 500 were wounded when German warships attacked on the morning of 16th December 1914.
To commemorate the centenary the town is holding a series of events to honour those who died.
A new memorial is also being unveiled in the town, featuring 130 ceramic poppies from the Tower Bridge installation in London. These will be planted by school children to represent each of the people who died.
Timetable of events;
8am-9am:
Formal outdoor service in Redheugh Gardens, organised by the Heugh Gun Battery Trust and led by the Bishop of Jarrow.
9am-3pm:
Open house at the Heugh Gun Battery - (free entry)
10am-12noon:
Tipperary Club open for viewing in the Borough Hall
12noon-1pm: Bombardment Memorial unveiling ceremony:
- Royal Marines bugler sounds start of proceedings
- Welcome by the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher
- Unveiling of the memorial by the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon
- Laying of plaques by the four military organisations
- Laying of wreathes by Dale Minks and the Friends of North Cemetery
- Reading the names of the 130 bombardment victims and planting of 130 Tower of London poppies and 130 wooden crosses by St Aidan's Primary School pupils
- Performance of a First World War poetry project between poet Kate Fox and guests
- Burying of a time capsule
- Presentation of standards by veterans' groups
- Royal Marines bugler sounds the end of the ceremony
6pm-7pm: 'Homecoming' outdoor theatre performance in the Headland Town Square. Entry by ticket only.
Followed by The Last Post and ringing of church bells.