At least 130 people died during the Bombardment of the Hartlepools, as the area was then known, by the German Navy on December 16, 1914, at 8.10am.
The exact figure is unknown because casualties were still dying from their injuries years later.
Every year Hartlepool marks the anniversary of the 40-minute shelling with a service at the Redheugh Gardens war memorial, on the Headland, organised by the nearby Heugh Battery Museum.
Scores of people defied freezing conditions to mark the 108th anniversary.
1. A minute's silence
Flags are lowered during the service's minute-long silence. Photo: Other 3rd Party
3. Solemn occasion
The parade makes its way into the memorial gardens. Photo: Other 3rd Party
4. Marching together
The ceremony takes place every year at 8.10am to mark the exact moment the German onslaught began. Photo: Other 3rd Party