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Wykeham St, Scarborough: Propaganda House

The bombarded house that became famous after featuring on national recruitment posters

The dramatic photograph of the devastation of 2 Wykeham street, Scarborough has become one of the iconic images of World War One.

There was national outrage following the shelling of Scarborough on 16 December 1914, which was the first bombardment on home soil resulting in deaths. The photograph of the Bennett鈥檚 family home became part of a force鈥檚 recruitment drive.

Four people died in the house, including two children. One of those killed was Albert Bennett, who became the first serviceman to be injured in an attack on English mainline, and subsequently died of his injuries.

First-hand accounts from his brother Christopher who survived and a neighbour were reported in the following week鈥檚 Scarborough Pictorial newspaper. The house was later rebuilt, and is still used as a residence today.

Location: 2 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO12 7SB
Image shows damage to the house
Photograph courtesy of Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre
Presented by 91热爆 Reporter, Jonathan Cowap

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