100 years ago

Inquest had been held at Yarmouth and King's Lynn on the four victims of the German air raid.

The coroner observed that there had been an airship raid by enemies of this country coming from Germany, and there could not be any doubt, under the instructions of superior officers of the Kaiser, those in charge of the air vessels had come over to destroy property and take innocent lives.

Life had been taken, and property destroyed - the life and property of harmless, peaceful people. No doubt they were loyal subjects of the King, but they were in no sense combatants.

Such an act had to be deemed murder - nothing short of murder.

There was no military object, no military advantage was gained and the affair had no military significance.


50 years ago

Cheques for £1000 had been sent by Sir Billy Butlin, for the second year running, to 8 UK seaside resorts to help keep holidaymakers in Britain. Two other resorts were to receive £500 each.

Cheques of £1000 each had gone to town councils of Ayr, Barry Island (South Wales), Bognor Regis, Clacton, Filey, Minehead, Pwllheli and Skegness. Littlehampton and Margate each received £500.

Sir Billy was convinced that UK seaside resorts still had more to offer than those on the Continent, but felt that not enough money was spent on advertising them.

The previous year, when he made his first donations to seaside resorts where his camps were situated, he said he would repeat the offer for five years if local businessmen would also support a general publicity fund.

Sir Billy said: “The response to my appeal has been very satisfactory in all cases and that is why I am making this second donation.”


25 years ago

Buckingham Palace remained silent on reports that the Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips were to divorce.

The couple had separated in September after 15 years of marriage, following an arrangement which took several months to negotiate.

The divorce reports appeared in several of today's newspapers. The Daily Express claimed the Princess Royal wanted an early divorce so she could get on with her life. But, it added, Captain Phillips wanted their separation to go on for the sake of their children Peter, aged 12, and Zara, aged eight, with a divorce to follow when the youngsters were older.

In a 26-word statement announcing the separation five months before, the Palace said: “Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips have decided to separate on terms agreed between them. There are no plans for divorce proceedings.”