History
The Drill Hall
The Drill Hall was completed by 1902 as part of the first phase of the development of the Royal Naval Barracks in Chatham. It was constructed to provide an indoor space in which the exercise and training of navy personnel could be undertaken during inclement weather. Often referred to as the 'Drill Shed' it has also been used variously as an overflow barracks, exhibition centre, naval store and building materials warehouse.
On Monday 3rd September 1917 the Drill Hall was being used as an overflow dormitory for around 900 naval ratings when, at around 11:00 p.m., the building suffered two hits from bombs dropped by German Gotha aeroplanes. One of the first of the 'moonlight raids' in the First World War, it resulted in the loss of some 130 lives.
The Drill Hall Library was opened by the Rt Hon David Miliband MP on Monday 13th February 2006.
View a more detailed history of the Drill Hall and the bombing raid
The Life of a Naval Rating
Arthur Edward Voice was one of the naval ratings killed in the bombing raid on the Drill Hall. View a short biographical presentation about Arthur's life.
The Dockyard Day by Day by Harold Bennett
A selection of happenings in and around HM Dockyard at Chatham, and its Naval Base, compiled from articles in the Royal Dockyard Library, Medway Libraries, and from memories of Society members.
