Yep, naval bombardment of shore positions is definitely A Thing. (Speaking in my own flair area, about half the questions I deal with about D-Day are "Why didn't the Allies bombard the beaches?".) More can always be said on the matter, of course, so if anyone wants to flex their WWI naval chops, don't let this post or the previous ones linked stop you!

Whilst we wait for further answers, u/thefourthmaninaboat has two relevant posts regarding WWI-era naval bombardment.

• This is a look at the naval aspects of the Gallipoli Campaign, and thus directly relevant; further downthread are also further links on Gallipoli if you want more reading as to the context in which The Runner takes place.
• This post covers the Royal Navy's use of monitors off the Belgian coast.