On the West Cliff above Whitby is a memorial garden that commemorates the Bombardment of Whitby on December 16th 1914.
Whitby Bombardment Memorial |
Three German warships attacked towns on the East Coat of England. After shelling Scarborough the SMS Derfflinger and Von der Tann sailed north and targeted Whitby. Their targets were the Abbey and the Coast Guard Signal Station.
Whitby Abbey 1914 |
Whitby Abbey 2023 |
The bombardment commenced at 09:00 and over 150 shells were fired during the 11 minute bombardment.
SMS Derfflinger Bombards Whitby |
The Abbey Walls were hit by 11 inch shells and a direct hit destroyed much of the west wall. The Signal Station was also damaged. The majority of shells fell some 500 metres south west of the target in the Fishburn Park District.