WW1's Most Daring Air Attack

The forgotten story of a daring 2-man German mission aboard a rickety biplane who managed to fly an aircraft over central London in 1916 and drop bombs on the British capital. They made history with this raid, that was to set the scene for a concerted German bombing campaign in WW1.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. He has written extensively on Japanese war crimes, POW camps, Nazi war criminals, the Holocaust, famous escapes, Hitler and other Nazi leaders. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Thanks: Google Maps; Carlos Delgado; Duch.

[@evanrobinson9051]

Mark Felton’s films are always carefully researched. You can really tell how much time he puts into making a script for each video. He really does history justice because he allows the reader/user to come to their own conclusions on any given historical event he talks about!

[@masterkenobi977]

The third man do u not like to learn

[@sarjim4381]

Considering this was all done from 13,000 feet with a Mark I Eyeball bombsight, the results were pretty good.

[@mariokuppers5686]

Missing the Area at Horse Guards Corner is even that in consideration and in 1916 very bad aiming. Even with MK 1 Eyeball you can´t Miss Buckingham and St. James Park as Landmark exept on a very Foggy day

[@Ozymandias1]

It's hard not to hit something when you throw bombs while flying over London.

[@billdewahl7007]

@@mariokuppers5686 Windshear and bombing by hand. Even if you see something doesn't mean you can drop something and hit it.

[@pcka12]

Or ‘pretty bad’ (all depending upon your viewpoint)

[@javiergilvidal1558]

@@MrDaiseymay Yeah, we know Jerry´s such a pussy, don´t we, Philip? Wonder why it took the whole world to defeat them!

[@neilpiper9889]

My grandfather was a reconnaissance photographer in the Royal Flying Corps at this time and the family lived near London. It was this raid that made them decide to relocate to Norfolk, my grandmother's family home.. My uncle George was 3 and my father was a baby born in August 1915. George was a bomber pilot in ww11 and my father was in the First Airborne division. They both survived, George lived to 90 and lived in Canada. My grandfather and my father started a market garden business in Norfolk in 1947. Dad died in 1998. I am 74 now, living in Gloucestershire. Thanks for all your really detailed and clear videos.

[@neiltappenden1008]

Thank you for sharing , snippets of history are important

[@lachesisatropos5139]

Mark, I just wanted to thank you for not interjecting divisive politics into your presentations and just sticking to the facts! Absolutely excellent.

[@alastairward2774]

What politics would apply here? Or in any of his videos?

[@joshhencik1849]

@@alastairward2774 These days? Nearly everything is editorialized. I agree. History shouldn't have that issue. But it's not immune.

[@alastairward2774]

@@joshhencik1849 editorialised or put in context? Do you have an example?

[@benadam7753]

That's why I love Dr. Felton's videos! He injects no politics or favourtism in them!

[@TheCat48488]

Until you see the comments...

[@GunsNGames1]

Starting the day with Mark Felton's excellent historical documentaries. Today is surely a good day :)

[@TCIR]

Guns N' Games I could hear him talking about paint drying and still be interested

[@clxwncrxwn]

Game Reviews OfficialYT Channel lindy beige has the same effect. : )

[@jakisfly]

Truuuuuuu

[@Dirtzoo]

I end the day same

[@dreamjackson5483]

I had a "trip" today. And after all is said and done. I'm cuddled up in bed watching this 👌

[@Bite_Me_MF]

When you hear that intro, you know you’re in for an absolute History / knowledge bomb 🤙

[@scottklocke891]

Jack Sparrow you spoke truly.👍🏾

[@samsonxon]

It reminds me of GarageBand/ Appleloops

[@masterwrench4252]

First time I heard one of his vids with a different intro I went 'Awwwwe!"

[@jessestout8646]

Great comment!!

[@hugejohnson5011]

I catch myself several times/day vocalizing this tune out loud, while walking flights of stairs, entering office buildings, walking across parking lots to stores, etc. Help me, I can't stop it! Thank God for the Corona Mask. It shields my face so that fellow Walmart shoppers can't always tell that I'm the nut that was in the next aisle over, singing: Dunt, dunt, dunt, dunt, dunt, dunt, dunt!

[@bartenveronique]

I am from Gent, and my parental house is in Mariakerke where the airfield was the german pilots took off. There is now very little to be seen from the airfield that once was. Only a street that is called "vliegpleinkouter" which translates freely as airfield-arable land. In the sixties and seventies of the twentieth century the whole area was built up with houses.

[@arnonuhm4022]

Much more useful and peaceful use of that strip of land.

[@kynano7989]

Absolute balls of steel for the men who were willing to fly in those early ww1 fighters

[@danam0228]

even back then flying was safer than driving, imagine it was very exciting

[@pingun96]

enjoy knowning that at the peak of fighting, almost all pilots didnt even get their academy mandated 12 hour of flight time before being assigned combat duty.

[@stevep5408]

Damn silly they didn't use parachutes

[@kynano7989]

@JZ's Best Friend well none of it was fun, but I'd rather be on the ground with my brothers than in the sky flying something made from paper and wood ha-ha I'd rather fly than be in a sub though

[@raphaelcatchpole2685]

@@kynano7989 But if youre in the sky youre less likely to get hit by shells or gassed or sent over the top at the Somme. Same goes for submarines aswell I suppose. Someome from the ground or an enemy plane would have to shoot you down and I would guess there is more you could do about that than happening to be in the wrong place at the wrong time on the ground. But of course none of it was fun, I'm just guessing that flying would have been statistically safer still than being on the ground.

[@Matt_matt1]

I never post but I would like to say thank you for all the research on your war stories. They provide me a very calming voice that quells my anxiety, and at the same time I'm learning more than I ever did in school. Thank you, Mark.

[@mjc8281]

As a child in the 1970s my grandmother lived a couple of houses away from an old lady who had lost her arm as a kid to a Zeppelin raid(she was also in Coventry for the bombing there during WW2!), I always thought it was strange how history can touch you like that

[@somebloke13]

Jesus, I'll bet the Chinese have got her grave on their nuclear attack map! 😂

[@jay71512]

I remember my grandma used to literally shake with fear when it was thundering outside because she was a child during ww2 and loud bangs terrified her until her death.

[@johnbrennick8738]

jay71512 my mother too is still anxious about threats from the sky, including weather, surely due to her enduring many many bombing raids on her city Ludwigshafen am Rhein, being in buildings hit by bombs, etc. Stupid adults continue to kill children (Syria, Yemen, etc etc) in stupid wars 😢😡🤬

[@johnbrennick8738]

jay71512 thanks for sharing, respect and empathy for your grandmother

[@neinnein9306]

In the German MHM (war museum) in Dresden they show broken pavement slabs from different European cities to show that it was terrible for civilian victims, whether in Rotterdam, Warsaw, Dresden or Coventry. I can only recommend a visit there.

[@Kettenhund31]

Actually a mile off target was much more accurate than most later aerial bombing includung that in the Second World War!

[@Bialy_1]

That was made by planes flying few times faster and from much higher altitude not to mention under enemmy fire and on targets that was often not easy to spot...

[@Kettenhund31]

@@Bialy_1 It was much better than the results achieved in the previous year by the crews of slow flying airships who bombed from the same altitude who had no one shooting at them.

[@samsmith2635]

Yeah just ask Switzerland Lmao!

[@kindnessfirst9670]

I was just reading about Germans dropping "parachute bombs" during the London Blitz. They were huge and designed to drift as far as possible from where the plane dropped them.

[@kindnessfirst9670]

When most bombing is done on cities the accuracy was not very important. The U.S. 8th Air Force was only getting 15% of there bombs within 1,000 feet in 1943. By the wars end that had jumped to 60%.

[@majorgeneralspencerreid6673]

“OK, that’s enough, I’m going to bed”..... oh shit ! A Mark Felton notification ??? (Watched it twice, and a couple more before finally stopping).

[@michaelmiller5771]

I know rite

[@chaowingchinghongfingshong3109]

This post was made by the its 9AM where im from gang

[@bigblue6917]

@@chaowingchinghongfingshong3109 Mark Felton and morning coffee. Great way to start your day 😀

[@mudkoerfgen9843]

Thankyou & Thumbs Up from Perth Australia

[@krisfrederick5001]

You can never watch just one..

[@ThinkSutra]

I believe Mark creates and develops on an average 4 videos a month @ 1 video a week. All the content is highly informative and it makes me deep dive into this interesting topic. Mark you rock bro. keep it coming.

[@bronsonperich9430]

This is amazing. I wonder if he edits his videos himself?

[@kng_drripmd5579]

Always on time. The Great war was humanity's first taste of modern warfare. Great content as always Mark 👏.

[@teitokufushiro3834]

What a way to enjoy quarantine, while hearing the voice of Dr.Felton, thank you so much for the documentaries you make, keep it up Dr.Felton!

[@JAMESBOND-jm2lj]

Is there no end to the never before seen footage from ancient type events shown by Mark? Endless supply of excellence📽️

[@jamesmiles8666]

Who would have thunk it. History with no agenda.

[@paulbradford8240]

I remember my Grandfather talking about working in London, before he was called up in 1918 and standing in the street watching German aircraft overhead as they dropped bombs. Later on in his work life, he worked at Bourne & Hollingsworth, a large department store in the accounts department. One of his duties was to deliver the wages and he used to carry a Webley revolver!

[@hddun]

Good story about your G-Father. These stories are to my mind more interesting than listening to some historian tale us about some long time past battle or some lofty story of a general plotting a strategy. These are people we knew and/or were direct family members who we talked with or were respected in our families. My Dad, fought in the Pacific War. I was a baby when he left to go to the WW2. When I was young, I marveled at the stories he told about the huge naval battles when Japan's suicide bombers were attacking his ship.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

@@hddun But without the historian you have no context of the personal story

[@hddun]

@@LarsRyeJeppesen I'd say you have a good point. My only publication was about the survivors of the Japanese Kamakazi attack on the USS Franklin. I have good abundance of personal eyewitnesses but now most have passed on.

[@williamlebotschy2729]

The revolver was heavier than the payroll.

[@Skemooo]

"Injuring a woman" so many times huh those bombs were misognistic

[@AtheistOrphan]

Skemooo - Well to be fair most men were away fighting.

[@LouisianaJesse]

😂 I was thinking the same thing

[@kerriwilson7732]

Racist as well, I'm afraid.

[@piggyblitz4404]

Each bomb hit at least 1 woman, so I’m not really sure what to say.

[@blxtothis]

Skemooo - the beginning of emancipation as so many men were away at war.

[@derrinpickett9948]

Those early Go Pro cameras were marketed in Germany as Hun Fun cameras and could easily be mounted by any Fokker.

[@Minboelf]

Those men sure have massive balls to do that

[@daystatesniper01]

Once again Mark ,another golden nugget upload , we all love them good Sir

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Thank you kindly

[@nicholasjackson7610]

It’s midnight and I’m watching this. I have no regrets. Edit: Just in case you’re wondering, I live in the US.

[@justat1149]

1:18am for me. I wouldn’t miss this, even for a good night’s sleep

[@nicholasjackson7610]

No Productions, I live in Idaho, so right now 12:36 Mountain Time.

[@TCIR]

NO REGRETS My sleep schedule: kill-me

[@lachesisatropos5139]

3:00 am for me.

[@tommeakin1732]

_Just in case you were wondering...._

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Another awesome vid of obscure history I never would have known about without your fine work mark 👍

[@Eliel7230]

I like this historical period in early aviation. Thank you for your posts Mark. They are fascinating and informative.

[@wilsonj4705]

The classic silent film over acting at 0:29 made me laugh a little.

[@garymckee8857]

I love the breakdown of these videos, no details are left out. Thanks Mark.

[@TheDeepsix13]

1 in the morning. Why YES, I will watch this...

[@1FokkerAce]

You’re the best Mark. You delve into the details we wish we could, and then share your discoveries with us. We’re lucky as Hell to have you. Love the channel.

[@thatsme9875]

another excellent story from Mark Felton, helping us all get through these trying times. thanks Mark

[@59patrickw]

every day a school day when Dr Mark Felton posts a new documentary never too old to learn . thank you

[@preetibishnoi6238]

Appreciate you putting so much effort to help us learn something new and interesting during these troubling times.

[@ianclark1122]

Take a bow Mr Felton. Brilliant, as always.

[@lazydragon2551]

Germans: We did it! We bombed London, now lets go home! Early aircraft engines: *I'm gonna stop you right there*

[@hansgruber650]

German pilots were exceptional.

[@petergriffin8796]

@@hansgruber650 The range of their planes wasn't

[@roblamb8327]

@@petergriffin8796 @Hans Gruber: Both observations true. It's also probably true that in the follow-up war that the majority of German pilots and crew were equally as brave; fortunately their leadership were inexcusably thick in their insistence of thinking that short- to medium- range, light- to medium- load bombers were inadequate for the job. If history teaches us anything it's not sufficient for bravery alone that wins wars, but stupidity always loses them.

[@PRH123]

The engine apparently operated flawlessly, they ran out of fuel...

[@kansascityshuffle8526]

Dramatic pause waiting for that tank to crest was perfect

[@garynarborough]

Great way to start my morning Mark. I've seen the video on the Gotha bombing offensive but never knew about this raid. I am learning so much from your channel. It is bringing more of the history buff out in me. Thanks for the excellent narration and archived footage that helps to bring it more alive.

[@cultofbunny]

Wow!! This is surely the best content that KZbin has to offer! Thanks so much for imparting so much clarity and attention to such an important time in our planet's history!! So well done!👏👏👏🙏

[@thandir158]

The best notification I’ve received today.

[@davidvalea4274]

Me too

[@AtheistOrphan]

Thandir - Even better than the one I received from the clap clinic giving me the all-clear.

[@joshhencik1849]

@@AtheistOrphan I will give you a round of applause for that.... wait.

[@karenmcnugget4551]

Thank you Mark for another great episode.

[@KillerKlownsfromOuterSpaceGame]

A lovely after work treat! Thank you, Mark

[@andrewluchsinger]

I'm more of a fan of the history of the 30's and 40, but those WW1 documentary's are a great diversion from my normal interests. Thanks again.

[@johnnieireland2057]

There's something so fascinating about WW1's version of advanced technology.

[@colinwhyte1526]

The first bomb to fall on England landed just 50 yards from our old house, dropped by a German seaplane on Dover in December 1914. There's a little plaque there now!

[@MrXdmp]

Thank you Dr. Felton!

[@DonDiesel885]

Oh brother you're killing us Mark! don't leave us hanging. What happened to the germans and the remains of their wünderwäffle after they were captured by le' french cheesemeisters? Thanks for all the great videos man. they remind me of the programs that used to be on the History Channel during it's good years

[@MasterDewey]

As fascinating as always! Thank you Mr. Felton.

[@ColinH1973]

Excellent attention to detail again Mark. Fascinating story, skilfully recounted.

[@dobblelobb6483]

I'm really starting to enjoy these late night videos! Nothing like a good video to keep me entertained while I edit videos!

[@letoubib21]

Thanks, Dr. Felton! At last something even I haven't known up to now. . .

[@justsomeguywithasurprisede4059]

When the intro plays, you know Mark has something truly bizarre to show you

[@brucebello9892]

Thanks Mark, great video!

[@ianturton6889]

I just re-watched this and appreciate your work even more. Fascinating as always

[@Zzyzx--]

Mark, your usual marvelous job on a thoroughly obscure topic. I researched the Ilges and Brandt flight several years ago and found little information available about it. The LVG C.IV was itself a rarity; a specialist type designed for high-altitude reconnaissance work, only 125 built and never more than 76 operational at one time. It was powered by an equally rare Mercedes D.IV straight-8 engine. I was very interested in your mention of how the plane's range was extended; one thing I had discovered was its normal range is insufficient for the round trip Mariakerke-London. Another unsettled point was the type of bomb used; the 12.5 kg PuW or the earlier 10 kg Carbonit types? Also, were the bombs simply thrown over the side as your video shows or were they mounted externally? There were hardpoint racks available for the PuW types and there are also pictures showing Carbonit bombs hung externally with a simple strap mechanism to an LVG C.II by the Marine Feld-Flieger Abteilung units Ilges and Brandt were part of. These technical fine points came up as part of a discussion about whether the mission was specifically ordered by headquarters, or if Ilges conceived and executed it on his own initiative. One theory was it was largely Ilges' initiative and information about it was suppressed because the larger Gotha bombers would soon be available; German high command did not want to tip their hand early and then face reinforced defences around London. Thank you for bringing the story of this historic flight to a wider audience; it's seldom mentioned in histories of the First Blitz.

[@gravychipplease]

Keep them coming Mark!!

[@panzerivausfg4062]

Good morning Mark! Thanks for uploading again! Stay safe!

[@janswildlife9163]

Amazing footage!

[@scottfabel7492]

As a WWI & 2 buff, I am amazed at the number of videos you create on topics I've never heard of before. Well done again Mr. Mark!

[@nassermj7671]

Rare gems here. Just what this history buff needed.

[@markadams7597]

This is a great vid, Ty. I really like the period photos and the original motion pictures. They give a new look and new story to WW1.

[@jimmyvaught]

Thank you, this reminds me of the golden days of the History Channel.

[@anointingofseer2596]

Fantastic video, thank you.

[@drawbardave6591]

Brilliant, thanks Mark. I've always been fascinated by WW2 but am now discovering many interesting WW1 stories on Your channel.

[@OldPrimate]

I love this channel and have shared it with many people, I appreciate the work you are doing. If I had 1 suggestion it would be that I would like to see longer videos, but this is still wonderful; please continue to upload.

[@geoffcartertheoreticalstru6484]

Start the week with Mark; thanks yet again.

[@joemengler1666]

Mark once again providing quality historical content with his WW2 voice

[@Doughboy842]

Mark Felton's videos are a great way to start the morning.

[@whisthpo]

Again, Fascinating info Mark...Thank You ! I remember seeing one of those bombs in the Cheshire Regiment Museum and also the large, feather flighted 'Darts' that were dropped on Cavalry!

[@thomasweatherford5125]

I also start my day with your videos. Thanks Mark!

[@bullabuck7535]

Thanks you, for keep is informed during these time

[@mikewilson4847]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@armedpatriot8611]

Thank you very much.

[@geometreee]

good work!

[@michaelmangano1732]

@ProfMarkFelton I thoroughly enjoyed your ABC Radio segment, as I do these fine videos. Obscure history is brought to life with your audio and video productions, and often shed light on stereotypes and myths that linger to this day. I wonder if you’d be able to share anything on the so-called “Devils Guard” of Vietnam.

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

Great video, as always!

[@oncall21]

Fantastic historical research as always Mark. Thanks for sharing!

[@Trapples]

What I love most about this channel is that I can let the videos play in the background as an Audiobook

[@ezcst343]

Thank you sir for your videos!

[@mycroft1905]

Fascinating history superbly told.

[@T-34_Chan]

I love your videos! No better way to start the day!

[@RRS8840]

My first time posting about Mark’s work. I honestly stumbled onto them while watching Time Team. As a retired US Army pilot, I’m glad I stumbled onto these products. Well done Mark.

[@Articulate99]

Always interesting, thank you.

[@hddun]

Mr. Felton. I really like your presentations--both tone and content. I fancied myself as "knowledgeable on military history" but your deep research sets a new benchmark for content while making it interesting. In college I loved history but most students did not. I could never figure that they would not love to know about where we came from and what facts there are about these topics.

[@pradgeorge4270]

Great content!

[@masterkenobi977]

Brilliant like always

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you Mark this was really interesting as always

[@connorlogan792]

Thank you for doing more ww1 aviation videos

[@tinkmarshino]

Thrilling stuff Mark.. We have come a long way since then with drones and smart bombs.. You always tell a good story.. and you have a voice that is enjoyable to listen to.. thank.. carry on!

[@rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG]

Great video!

[@rivkabornstein]

I love your videos! So glad I found your channel.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Glad you like them!

[@markedwards2083]

Enjoying these superbly informative toe-dips into history, from quarantine in Spain.

[@robertgriffin662]

I really enjoy your channel Mark! Please keep the vids coming. Thank you.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Thanks, will do!

[@walhalladome5227]

Het again a superb war story I knew nothing about. Your videos are masterpieces!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you!!!!!

[@youknowyourewrongright93]

Keep up the great content,

[@roscoewhite3793]

Going to watch.... hang ont! A Mark Felton video notification? The first one can wait, Dr Felton takes precedence.

[@markdavis2475]

07:08 "The London..." what association???!!! Great episode thanks!

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

Another excellent documentary from Mr Felton

[@JavierCR25]

Mark, where do you even find this amazing bits of history?? I love this hidden gems you teach us!

[@ryan.8783]

Wonderful video!

[@MrSabram07]

Mark you did it again wow

[@richardcharay7788]

Thx!