The Gotha G.IV bombing raid on London on June 13, 1917, was a significant military action by the German forces during World War I. This was part of a concerted effort by Germany to undermine British morale through aerial bombardment. As one of the deadliest raids in the war, the assault targeted civilian infrastructure in the capital, where the German High Command aimed to create widespread panic and disrupt daily life. The raid killed 162 individuals, with a heart-wrenching 46 of those casualties being children. Furthermore, it left 432 others injured, demonstrating the harsh realities of total war and the vulnerability of civilians amidst military campaigns.

The Gotha G.IV was a heavy bomber, equipped with advanced technology for the time, allowing it to carry out long-range missions. Pilots flying these aircraft navigated based on rudimentary maps and landmarks, highlighting the operational challenges faced. The targeting of residential areas was a strategic choice aimed at maximizing psychological damage. The raid on June 13 exemplified the aerial warfare tactics that would become more common throughout the war, as nations rapidly advanced their military aviation capabilities. Britain, in response, increased efforts to enhance its air defenses, recognizing the need for better strategies against future raids.

The aftermath of this attack prompted significant changes in British military and civilian planning. The growing fear of aerial attacks led to adaptations in urban architecture, as cities began integrating air raid precautions into their infrastructure. Londoners adapted to the threat by organizing civil defense measures, such as installing air raid sirens and blackout curtains. Over the course of the war, the repeated bombings transformed the British approach to civilian protection and military strategy, leading to greater investment in both the Air Force and anti-aircraft defenses.