Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-16
SHELLS WRECK BUILDINGS
OF FAMOUS SEA RESORT

HULL. Eng, Dec 10.
Three churches are reported TO have
been partly destroyed. the gas works
set on IRE. two railway platforms de-
stroyed and numerous buildings damaged
when four German cruisers bombarded
scarborough, famous seaside resort of
Enriand. today.
Thrown into n panic by the shells which
crashed into the town from the war
ships, people poured from their homes
and hurried to the railway stations, taxi
ms trains for Hun and other towns. The
early morning trains reaching here
brought many refugees. They told stories
Of great damage done to the town.
Between 40 and 90 shells fell in Scar
bororah The three churches were among
tho hrst buildings struck. The exploding
Of the shells set the buildings on fire.
The Germans also directed their aim
upon the railroad station, but succeeded
axe there in the destruction Of the two
platforms.
AZ the German gunners got the range
other buildings were damaged, and the
entire town thrown into the widest con-
fusion.
The German cruisers approached start
llngly close to the coast line with the
firing OF their first shots they seemed
to got the range Immediately, and then
ralned shells into all sections OF the town.
The bonbardment began at 1856 a. m.
The train which arrived at Hull was
Just leaving the station as the shells
began to fal. Almost the entire popula-
tlon OF the town had rushed into the
streets, and those nearest the station
rushed aboard the train for safety.
AZ the train left Scarborough the BOOM
ing OF the German guns could still be
heard of the coast
Government cenBors now control the
telephone and telegraph wires from Scar
borough. Immediately after the first
word of the bom5ardment reached Hull
by phone the censors took charge.
The first morning train from Scar
borough brought many refugees here.
The bombardment was very heavy. they
said. The greatest damage was done to
property. The engineer of the train
wired his wife from Scarborough:
'Shells are falling thick around me,
but am all right"
Refugees from Scarborough declared
ehat when they first heard the firing off
shore they thought 1t was simply British
practicing No attention was
paid TO the cannonade.
Then house was struck by a shell and |
into a heap OF ruins. a few |
moments later the Balmoral Hotel was |
truck and Immediately took fire. Shells |
,sgan TO fall close together by this time |
other houses and buildings were struck |
and burst into flames.
with the bursting of shells and cries !
from the street people began to pour |
from their homes. There Was Wild rush |
toward the railroad stations. Those who |
lid not endeavor to flee from the town |
fought refuge In cellars.
Shells burst over the crowds gathered at
no railroad station awaiting the depar-
are OF the train for Hull. It was while
Waiting for his signal to start that the
Ingineer sent a hasty message to his wife
aging that shells were bursting all
,round his engine. AS the train pulled
,ut the refugees saw the streets fairly
,hoked with other residents Of the town
TO reach open country be-
'ond the range of the German guns.
Every sort of conveyance had been COM
nandeerad In the anxiety OF the terror
stricken people 20 escape.
When the train left Scarborough the |
refugees said part OF the town was en-
feioped in smoke.