Zeppelin raid on Togston 2nd 3rd April 1916

[Coquet]

3rd April, 1916.

Colonel R. Scott,

Lesbury.

Dear Sir,

EMERGENCY COMMITTEE,

Doubtless you have heard that this district was visited by Zeppelins on Sunday night the 2nd inst?.

The first intimation was given by the Sergt. Of Police, who reported at 8-30 pm, that two Zeppelins were advised on the coast in this district and that the gas would be shut off, and all lights withdrawn. About 11 o’clock, all special constables were called up for duty, and commenced to patrol the town. At 11-30 heavy reports were heard some distance away in a south-westerly direction, gradually becoming silent for a time. Close upon midnight heavy explosions and flashes of light were heard, and observed in the direction of Broomhill, and rapidly coming nearer Amble.

About eight reports followed in quick succession near to Togston Hall, and at the same time the beat of the engines was distinctly heard as the Zeppelin approached the town. In a few minutes it appeared to pass right over the main street, and making seaward. Nothing could be seen of the airship itself, not with standing the night was not dark but some haze obscured a clear outlook.

Beyond some large holes being torn in the fields, some breakage of glass, and fallen ceilings in the cottages at Togston Barns, no other damage has been reported up to the time of writing. All special constables were dismissed at 2-30 am after visiting Broomhill, Radcliffe and Togston to investigate and report.

Too strong a representation cannot be made to the North Eastern Railway Co, for the prodigality of light at the various siding and station on the Amble branch line, as it appeared quite evident that these lights served as a guide to those in charge of the Zeppelin in laying their course. Pilots bringing vessels along the coast have reported that while at Seaham, Sunderland, Blyth etc, there is total darkness yet from outside Coquet Island, Amble furnishes quite a cluster of lights on the railway system which I cannot help but think might be considerably curtailed, or screened to afford greater caution.

The lamps are on the automatic principle of burning night and day which from a labour saving point may be commended but in time of danger such as the present public safety must have the first consideration, and I shall be glad if you can exercise any influence towards having this looked into and remedied. Yours Faithfully...