At Hartlepool the land batteries replied, and are reported to
have hit the enemy. Three German ships were seen at this point. None of the Hartlepool guns was touched, but one German shell fell among the Royal Engineers, and several among the 18th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. The casualties among the soldiers were seven killed and four- teen wounded. The civilians, whether they stayed in their houses or ran into the streets, suffered heavily, as did buildings in various parts of the town. The gasworks and the water- works were both damaged. If there was some excuse for the shelling of Hartlepool as being a fortified place, there can be none for the attack on the undefended seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby. The bombardment was a gross and wanton piece of inhumanity contrary to every Convention and every custom of war. At Scarborough much damage was done to buildings, including the churches. At Whitby the ancient Abbey was injured. Many of the inhabitants retired hurriedly from the towns on foot, on bicycles, or by train, but nowhere was there anything like a wild rush or panic. Every- body, whether civilian, soldier, or sailor, did his duty loyally and well.
