13th June 1917: The deadliest air raid on London of the First World War conducted by German Gotha bombers

**Scott Allsop** (0:00)
On the 13th of June 1917, German Gotha G-4 bombers carried out the deadliest air raid on London of the First World War. Welcome to HistoryPod.
The early years of the war had seen German raids against Britain using Zeppelin airships, but these had become increasingly vulnerable to British air defences and weather conditions. Improvements in bomber aircraft technology subsequently enabled faster and more direct attacks. German planners hoped that bombing British cities would damage industry, weaken morale and force the diversion of military resources away from the Western Front.
On the morning of the 13th of June a formation of Gotha bombers crossed the English Channel and approached London at high altitude. Although 92 British aircraft took to the air to intercept the bombers, many were unable to climb high enough while anti-aircraft guns were largely ineffective. The Gothas dropped their bombs across several districts of the capital, including areas in the East End and the city of London. One of the most severe incidents occurred in Upper North Street School in Poplar, where a bomb struck during school hours, killing many children and teachers. The raid caused widespread shock among the civilian population. In total 162 people were killed and over 400 were injured. Damage was inflicted on homes, streets and public buildings, while the psychological effect of the attack was significant. Newspapers reported extensively on the raid, and public concern increased regarding the vulnerability of British cities to attack. The raid highlighted the dangers of aerial bombardment and total war, prompting renewed efforts to improve air defence systems, expand anti-aircraft capabilities, and develop more coordinated warning arrangements.