War was hell for most of the civilian population of these islands in 1915. Uninvaded for 900 years, then, for eighteen months, Zeppelins roamed, dropping bombs apparently at will. Later in the war Gothas and R-planes followed. The civilian population was frightened and indignant. Thomas Fegan has produced an excellent overview of these raids. 

Well researched and with few minor errors - the term 'bloody paralyser' was given to the Handley Page O/100 not to the subsequent V/1500 as stated - and illustrated by many previously unseen photographs of civilian damage, it truly describes the horror that aerial warfare brought. Compared with the losses Britain was suffering on the various 'frontlines', civilian casualties were few, but as this book shows, the fact that women and children suffered directly, made it appear horrendous. 

Unlike similar books, this one contains a Gazetteer which brings together in local areas, easily identified, damage, relics and places where to-day, in 2003, some remains of this period may be found. Very useful and interesting. 

Compared with the raids of World War II those described in this book are mere pin pricks. Uncoordinated and with relatively small bombs they had little strategic value. However, the retention of 16 Home Defence Squadrons, countless guns with the attendant supplies of ammunition and manpower, deflected huge resources which could have been well used in the front line. As the Zeppelins wandered, without proper aerial maps, facing bad weather and often with unreliable engines, Britain faced a threat such as never before. 

German Gotha raids, which brought about greater damage and casualties are well described. Interestingly, the lesser known but very successful R-plane sorties get prominent mention. This book relates how our improved defences, whilst never providing 100% security, did deter all the enemy's efforts and finally brought success against these aerial invaders. The sterling work of 39 Squadron's pilots, Leefe Robinson, Sowrey, Tempest, Brandon etc. who pioneered aerial night fighting with out-dated equipment used with dogged perseverance is captured. Likewise the later efforts of Murlis Green who proved that the Sopwith Camel could be flown at night are recorded. This book is a good, easily-read account of the aerial attacks which the British public had to put up with in the first World War.