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Hartlepool was as near to the front line in World War I as anywhere in Great Britain. The plaques on either side of the gateway to the town park commemorate the centenary of a zeppelin raid.

"Hartlepool experienced three Zeppelin raids in World War One. On 27th November 1916, Zeppelin L34 was shot down by Lieutenant Ian Vernon Pyott, Squadron 36, Royal Flying Corps at Seaton Carew Aerodrome. He received a DSO medal in recognition of conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in connection with the destruction of an enemy aircraft."

"Thousands of spectators watched the searchlights and gun flashes from Pyott's aircraft as he attacked the zeppelin. Flames from the burning zeppelin could be seen fifty miles away. The crowds cheered as it fell into the sea. Zeppelin debris and the bodies of the crew members were washed ashore at Seaton beach. The men were buried with full military honours".