Public vigil to commemorate Hartlepool bombardment to return this year
The vigil is part of other memorials to mark the anniversary
A public vigil to commemorate the bombing of Hartlepool in the First World War will take place this week.
This upcoming Thursday (December 16th) marks the 107th anniversary of the bombing by the Germans in 1914.
Over 130 people were killed and injured hundreds of others in the attack from German warships which lasted 40 minutes.
Despite the introduction of restrictions on mass gatherings, a vigil remembering those who died will be taking place on Thursday.
The vigil will also return after a two-year absence, being cancelled as a result of coronavirus restrictions at the time.
A gun salute will be shot at 8:10 am, when the bombardment began, before the names of the 37 children who died in the bombing will be read out.
The public will then be given the chance to plant 37 crosses in the Redheughs Gardens Memorial in memory of the children.
The vigil will be organised by Heugh Battery Museum, in the hope of reuniting people through shared grief and remembrance in troubling times.
Manager of the museum, Diane Stephens said: "It is the community coming together to remember an event that was so deadly for the town and for families, some of who still live in the town, who lost children before they had a chance to lead a full life.”
In addition to the vigil, a free exhibition will also be held from December 17th to 19th in the nearby Moor Terrace Museum.