At approximately 8 o’clock in the morning on December 16, 1914, German battle cruisers from Franz von Hipper’s Scouting Squadron catch the British navy by surprise as they begin heavy bombardment of Hartlepool and Scarborough, English port cities on the North Sea.
By: History.com Editors
1914
Germans bombard English ports of Hartlepool and Scarborough
Published: November 16, 2009
Last Updated: January 24, 2025
Bet You Didn't Know: World War I
Did you know that the first-ever tanks, chemical weapons and blood banks were introduced during World War I? Get all the facts behind the conflict known as the "war to end all wars."
The bombardment lasted for about one and a half hours, killing more than 130 civilians and wounding another 500. It would unleash a damning response from the British press, which pointed to the incident as yet another example of German brutality. The German navy, however, saw the two port cities as valid targets due to their fortified status.
Two defense batteries in Hartlepool responded to the attacks, damaging three of the German vessels, including the heavy cruiser Blucher. Hipper’s squadron hoped to draw British forces to pursue them across waters freshly laced with mines. Another German fleet, commanded by Admiral Friedrich von Ingenohl, sat waiting offshore to provide support. A major confrontation did not take place, however, as the British decided to keep most of their fleet—depleted by the dispatch of their major cruisers to pursue the dangerous squadron of Admiral Maximilian von Spee—in the harbor.
An attempt by the Scouting Squadron one month later to repeat the tactics used to surprise the British at Scarborough and Hartlepool resulted in the Battle of Dogger Bank, where Hipper’s squadron was defeated but managed to avoid capture.
Timeline
Also on This Day in History
Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on December 16th
Related Articles
World War I
Why World War I Ended With an Armistice Instead of a Surrender
Both sides had suffered too much to continue, but Germany would be left battered by harsh terms.
World War I
How German U-Boats Were Used in WWI—And Perfected in WWII
After terrorizing trans-Atlantic ships in World War I, German U-boats grew even more fearsome in World War II.
World War I
5 Advances That Followed Pandemics
Diseases have devastated human populations, but they've also inspired social upheaval and innovations.
World War I
America’s Patriotic Victory Gardens
During both World Wars, America's agricultural production became a powerful military tool.
About the author
HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata.
Fact Check
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
Citation Information
- Article title
- Germans bombard English ports of Hartlepool and Scarborough
- Author
- History.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- March 26, 2025
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- January 24, 2025
- Original Published Date
- November 16, 2009
History Every Day
Sign Up for "This Day in History"
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.
By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.
More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
