Diary of Norman Gasper

 

Diary of Norman Gasper, Oct1915

Privately Held

Diary of Norman Gasper, October 1915

Privately Held

 1915

October 13th, Weds: The GREAT AIR RAID on Hertford by German Zeppelin

9 killed (including J. N. Jevous (?), Borough Surveyor, Mr. Gregory, Organist – All Saints – Mr Cartledge (?), Draper, P. Hast’s (?) Father). (see full account Hertfordshire Mercury 18th Jan. 1919): 44 Bombs dropped on town, 30 incendiary, 14 explosive.

On the evening of this day, Fred and Arthur were out when Mother, Daisy and myself went out to the front gate to try and see the Zeppelin we could hear. One had been heard going over earlier. At about just before 10 p.m. we all three saw the Zeppelin approaching from the direction of Ware Park or Bengeo and it appeared to turn so as to go over the town. Daisy ran upstairs to get some glasses to see with when the explosions of the bombs began. We ran indoors. The noise was terrific but did not keep on very long, and the Zeppelin passed on. We all three then set out and walked down to the town to see what had happened. We could not get beyond Old Cross as apparently some streets were stopped for traffic. The pavements were strewn with broken glass. After walking down St Andrew Street a short way we returned home. Fred and Arthur brought a friend in and we had a good cuppa. Arthur went back on duty (R.F.A) and we went to bed.

October 14th, Thurs: Early to “Marquess (?)” young’s, the barbers where heard numerous accounts of the raid. Then to office to work where we were quite relieved to find that all of us and families were safe.

Mr Philip Longmore entered in the office Call Book “Count Zeppelin left his card”. In the afternoon with Leonard…