In the Great War Germany's first air raids on England were made (how typical of the cowardly and cruel Huns, it was alleged) on defenceless seaside towns.
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One hundred years ago today Melbourne's Age reported on the Zeppelins' impacts on one hitherto innocent, idyllic town.
"The English seaside resort of Southend-On-Sea has had three German air raids, causing inhabitants to adopt all sorts of remarkable precautions as a protection against missiles dropped from Zeppelins.
"Many have placed corrugated iron covered with a layer of sand upon the joists supporting the ceiling, immediately under the roof, whilst others have used woven steel for the same purpose.
"Most incendiary missiles rarely penetrate beyond the top floors they burn their way through, and to arrest outbreaks of fire so caused the baths in the houses are kept filled with water [for firefighting purposes].
"Special constables go round the town at 10 o'clock and order all lights which are visible from the front and rear to be extinguished. No lights are allowed in the public streets, and the inns of the town are kept in total darkness. Many people do not go to bed until daybreak, but while away the time playing music and cards.
"A public meeting has been held with the object of arranging a scheme by which, during the dark hours, every street in the borough shall be patrolled by residents, so that residents in every thoroughfare may be warned of the approach of hostile aircraft."
