Midland Railway Works, Derby: The Night Lights Were Left On

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On the night of 31 January 1916, Derby was attacked by Zeppelins. It was the only time the city, then a town, was air raided. Despite warnings people had begun to think the coast was clear - lights were turned up at the Midlands Railway Works at twenty past eleven at night. The move would have disastrous consequences. At seven minutes past midnight the Zeppelins struck, in less than 12 minutes five or six explosions occurred, bombs dropped two or three at a time. Five people died, £13,000 worth of damage had been done. Location: Midland Railway Works, Derby DE24 8JE Image: The Midland Railway company war memorial