This certificate insures ... household goods and personal effects, and stock fixtures fittings and utensils in trade (if any) ... against destruction or damage directly or indirectly caused by Aerial Craft (hostile or otherwise) or shots, shells, bombs or missiles from or used against Aerial Craft or by Bombardment from hostile guns not landed on British Territory... Sum insured pound;75. Premium 1s. 6d.
World War One saw mainland Britain attacked by enemy guns and bombs for the very first time. The first Zeppelin bombing raid took place over Kent in December 1914. The same month Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby on the north east coast of Britain were attacked by German ships in the North Sea. Sheffield experienced a Zeppelin raid on 25th September 1916. It is interesting to note that this certificate is dated 4th October, just 9 days after the raid.
Original at Sheffield City Archives: MD7818/1. |