Scarborough was the site of the first attack of the First World War on British soil on 16 December 1914. Hundreds of shells rained down on the town before German warships attacked Whitby in 1914. 20 people were killed and hundreds more injured.
Nine days before Christmas in 1914 was the major turning point in the Great War resulting in thousands signing up to fight.
That is because it was the first time the Germans had killed civillians on home soil. The seaside town of Scarborough was one target and 18 people were killed there.
Now a group of volunteers are trying to trace their relatives in time for a special centenary next month. Sarah Clark reports.
A memorial garden has been unveiled in Whitby to mark 100 years since German warships shelled the town.
Commemorations are taking place in Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby 100 years after the towns were devastated by the German bombardment.
Exactly 100 years ago Scarborough and Whitby were subjected to bombardments by German warships. Events are being held in commemoration.