First bomb dropped in England ww1 in Dover

[museumtom]

The King’s interesting souvenir.

The King has accepted from the Dover Anti-Aircraft Corps a piece of the German bomb, which was dropped at Dover by a German aviator on December 24th. It was the first hostile bomb from the skies upon England. Major Wigram had sent the subjoined acknowledgment; “I am commanded by the King to ask you to accept for yourself and to convey to the officers, petty officers and men of the Dover Anti-Aircraft Corps the expression of his Majesty’s best thanks for the fragment of German bomb dropped on Dover on December 24th, 1914, which relic had been attractively mounted in an engraved frame made by members of your corps. The king much appreciates the kind thought which prompted the offer of this interesting souvenir, which his Majesty is much pleased to possess.

[museumtom]

Another;

Interesting Royal visit.

While travelling last week the King noticed a small encampment about a quarter of a mile from a station which his train had stopped. There-upon he expressed his intention to pay a surprise visit to the men, who numbered a dozen or fifteen. To reach the encampment his Majesty had to climb an embankment and jump across several small ravines. When he and his suite reached the camp the men were performing their morning toilets with the aid of receptacles which held water. They failled to recognise the King. One man, however, realising that an officer stood before him, came to attention, but the King, referring to the fact that the man had been washing himself, told him to continue. During a quarter of an hour’s stay his majesty questioned several as to their duties. It was only after his departure that the men learned, with much surprise, who their visitor was.

[scotchegg75]

The King's interesting souvenir.

The King has accepted from the Dover Anti-Aircraft Corps a piece of the German bomb, which was dropped at Dover by a German aviator on December 24th. It was the first hostile bomb from the skies upon England. Major Wigram had sent the subjoined acknowledgment; "I am commanded by the King to ask you to accept for yourself and to convey to the officers, petty officers and men of the Dover Anti-Aircraft Corps the expression of his Majesty's best thanks for the fragment of German bomb dropped on Dover on December 24th, 1914, which relic had been attractively mounted in an engraved frame made by members of your corps. The king much appreciates the kind thought which prompted the offer of this interesting souvenir, which his Majesty is much pleased to possess.

There is a photo of it in Dover in Old Photographs by Mark Smith/ Also there is a blue plaque on the spot

[agedpink]

Anyone know where this relic is now?

[phil@basildon]

Anyone know where this relic is now?

It is probably still in the possession of the Royal Family. If not they would have passed it on to someone like the IWM. The royals are said to keep a record of all gifts received, but wether this applied in 1914 I do not know. You could allways write to Buck House and ask them! I think you can even e-mail them.

[scotchegg75]

It is listed as a relic on the IWM database so I assume it is in their collection.

http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/dbtw-wpd/...amp;FG=0&QS=