Monday 4 October 2010

4/5 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

Twenty-eight day/night of the London Blitz.

On Friday 4th October 1940, Delayed Action bombs landed either side of Harrow-on-the Hill station; service reversed at Rayners Lane, Pinner, and Wembley Park. Through running was resumed at 18:25.[1][2]

Services resumed between Kings Cross and Farringdon Street stations.[1]

At 21:35, High Explosive (HE) bombs exploded adjacent to the up fast line at Willesden Green station, so trains were diverted onto the local line. The line re-opened for traffic at 05:22 the next day, although with a 15 mph (24 kph).[3][2]

HEs at Neasden station at 22:05 damaged high-tension cables, and demolished the Engineer's office. Services suspended until 23:10, when current was restored.[3]

At 08:00 on the 5th, the following working conditions were reported:
Northern line
Shuttle service Camden Town to Hamsptead - tunnel damage 28/09, repairs to be finished 11/10.

Bakerloo line
Suspended Queen's Park to Watford - bridge damage Harlseden 28/09, repairs to be finished 07/10.

Metropolitan line
Farringdon Street to Moorgate suspended - damaged buildings at Farringdon STreet, repairs in seven days or less.

East London line
Suspended since 07/09 - opening freight exchange at weekend, for passenger service later.[4]

Unexploded bombs
1. Surrey Docks 24/09 - prevents repairs to previous damage.
2. Neasden Depot 30/09 - no interference.
3. Harrow-on-the-Hill 04/10 - service suspended.[5]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 04/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 04/10/40 to 06:00 05/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 04/10/40 to 06:00 05/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 05/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 05/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]


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