The First Zeppelin Raid

April 1916

As seen by some of the Nursing Staff

We had been warned so often that to me it was almost a cry of 'Wolf!' Wolf!' I was just going to bed, when I heard a noise which sounded like far-off knocking. I listened, and it was repeated at very short intervals. Then I heard a voice from below say, "There they are!" I thought to myself "Zeppelins," so, picking up the pup (as my most valuable possession)*, I flew downstairs, and joined Cpl. Hunwick on the front step.

It was very dark - a darkness that could be felt. When I got accustomed to it, I saw an oblong object, surrounded by light, travelling very quickly away from us. The guns by this time were very loud, and we could see the firing quite distinctly. After a short time I saw a second Zep., not as distinctly as the first. Then all sorts of rumours began to spread. Victoria Station being destroyed was the principal one, I think. The Nursing Staff in one house were very disturbed. One Sister, who was in bed, jumped out, crying "They are bombing us!" dressed at lightning speed (even to putting on her cuffs), and was heard to mutter, as she disappeared in the darkness, "Let me die with the men." Some time later I saw the same lady, quite collected, going back to her rooms, and on enquiring what she was doing in hospital at that time of night was told that if she had to die she would much rather die in her ward with 'her men' than escape being hurt if they were in danger. Another poor thing in the same house was left to turn out all the lights, which was such a lengthy proceeding that the Zeppelins were almost back in their own country when she got outside to see them.

Another Sister, after making elaborate preparations in the cellar (and spoiling numerous garments with candle grease in doing so), went to bed and slept soundly. On hearing the news next morning she was furious, and could not think why she had not been wakened to go to the cellar! Since then we have repeatedly been "warned." I shall never forget the feeling it gave one to see all the men engrossed in their concert, singing at the top of their voices, and listening afterwards to Mr. Dion Cane recite 'The Hell-gate of Soissons,' while a few of us who were 'in the know' listened with the other ear and half expected - well, things we do not even dare think of.

EDITH HOLDEN

*[Edith Holden, the Matron, was accompanied in her work from the early days of the war by her Pekingese dog]