Saturday 31 October 2015

31 October/1 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fifty-fifth day of the London Blitz.

At 19:40 on Thursday 31 October 1940, Piccadilly line services were reversed at North Ealing and Alperton due to track subsidence between Park Royal and North Ealing, where a bomb had fallen the previous week. Normal working resume at 23:09.[1][2]

At 06:15 on the 1st, the Metropolitan line tracks between Pinner and North Harrow were damaged by High Explosive bombs.[3] Services suspended until 09:30.[1][4]

At 08:00 on the 1st, the following working conditions were reported:
Metropolitan line
Suspended Norwood to North Harrow.

Piccadilly line
Interruption at Park Royal 21:30, since restored.[5]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Angel station 15/10.
3. Southfields 30/10 - prevents service between Southfields and Wimbledon.[6]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 31/10/40 to 06:00 01/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 31/10-01/11/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 31/10/40 to 06:00 01/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 01/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 01/11/40, pages 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 01/11/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Friday 30 October 2015

30/31 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fifty-fourth day of the London Blitz.

At 11:25 on Wednesday 30 October 1940, District line services were again suspended between Southfields and Wimbledon, due to an Unexploded Bomb (UXB) in the cicinity.[1]

At 08:00 on the 31st, the following working conditions were reported:
District line
Suspended Southfields to Wimbledon - UXB.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.
Suspended Addison Road to Ladbroke Grove.

Northern line
Shuttle service on both tracks now running Strand [now Charing Cross] to Euston.[2]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Angel station 15/10.[3]


[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 31/10/40, pages 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 31/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Thursday 29 October 2015

29/30 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fifty-third day of the London Blitz.

At 11:02 on Tuesday 29 October 1940, the Waterloo & City line boiler plant was damaged by a High Explosive (HE) bomb, although not seriously.[1][2]

Services between North Ealing and Acton Town were suspended from 18:40 to 19:30 due to a defective train. Trains reversed at Acton Town and North Ealing.[3]

From 22:13 to 22:55 services were suspended between Putney Bridge and Wimbledon due to a suspected Unexploded Bomb 20 yards [18 metres] from the track at Southfields.[3][4]

Services between Neasden and Preston Road, and between Golders Green and Edgware, were suspended due to cables damaged by enemy action north of Neasden Power House.[3]

An HE exploded between the LNE and Metropolitan line tracks between Neasden and Wembley Park stations at 00:35 on the 30th, damaging siding, signals, and telephone lines, but did not damage the running tracks.[3][4]

At 08:00 on the 30th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Metropolitan line
Suspended King's Cross to Farringdon Street (Granville Tunnel and earlier damage).
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.
Suspended Addison Road to Ladbroke Grove.

Northern line
Suspended Kennington to Strand [now Charing Cross].
Suspended Warren Street to Camden Town.
Suspended Clapham South to Tooting Broadway.
Single line working Strand to Warren Street on one road, and Strand to Euston on the other.
Angel station closed.
Camden Town station closed at night.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Finsbury Park to King's Cross.
Single line working Wood Green to Arnos Grove.

East London line
Open for freight services only.

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Angel station 15/10.[6]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 29/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 29-30/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/10/40 to 06:00 30/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 30-31/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Wednesday 28 October 2015

28/29 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fifty-second day of the London Blitz.

At 16:05 on Monday 28 October 1940, Central line services resumed between Wood Lane and Ealing Broadway.[1]

At 08:00 on the 29th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Single line working Queens Park to Willesden (Kensal Green Tunnel).
Trafalgar Square station closed.

East London line
Open for freight services only.

Metropolitan line
Suspended King's Cross to Farringdon Street.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.
Suspended Addison Road to Ladbroke Grove.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Single line working Warren Street to Camden Town.
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon.
Suspended Clapham South to Tooting Broadway.
Single line working Strand to Warren Street
Single line working Hendon to Edgware.
Single line working Clapham Common to Clapham South
Suspended Camden Town to Warren Street.
Angel station closed.
Camden Town station closed (night only).

Piccadilly line
Suspended Finsbury Park to King's Cross.
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.[2]

Central line
Single line working Ealing Broadway to Wood Lane (damage North Acton 25/10).

District line
Suspended Barking to Dagenham (damage 26/10).

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Angel station 15/10.[3]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 28/10/40 to 06:00 29/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 29/10/40, pages 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 29/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Tuesday 27 October 2015

27/28 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fifty-first day of the London Blitz.

At 16:25 on Sunday 27 October 1940, services between Wood Lane and Ealing Broadway resumed with single line working on the eastbound track only.[1]

Queens Road [now Queensway] Central line station closed at 17:30 due to an Unexploded Bomb in the vicinity.[2]

Piccadilly line services resumed between North Ealing and Alperton at 19:15.[2]

At 08:00 on the 28th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Single line working Queens Park to Willesden (Kensal Green Tunnel).
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Central line
Single line working Ealing Broadway to Wood Lane (damage North Acton 25/10).

District line
Suspended Barking to Dagenham (damage 26/10).

East London line
Open for freight services only.

Metropolitan line
Suspended King's Cross to Farringdon Street.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.
Suspended Addison Road to Ladbroke Grove.

Northern line
Single line working Hendon to Edgware.
Single line working Warren Street to Strand [now Charing Cross].
Single line working Clapham Common to Clapham South.
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon.
Suspended Camden Town to Warren Street.
Suspended Strand to Kennington.
Suspended Clapham South to Tooting Broadway.
Angel station closed.
Camden Town station closed at night.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended Finsbury Park to King's Cross.[3]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 17/10. All lines blocked London to Golders Green.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Angel 15/10.
3 Queen's Road [Queensway]. Station closed.[4]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 27/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 27/10/40 to 06:00 28/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 28/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 28/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Monday 26 October 2015

26/27 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fiftieth day of the London Blitz.

At 12:35 on Saturday 26 October 1940, Northern line services were resumed between Goodge Street and Warren Street stations.[1]

Glass in the roof of Shepherd's Bush Central line station was broken at 20:00.[2] Station closed until commencement of traffic on the 27th.[3]

At 05:00 on the 27th, a bomb close to Kennignton station broke glass in the ticket hall.[2]

At 08:00 on the 27th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station closed.
Restricted Queens Park to Willesden & Watford (Kensal Green Tunnel).

Piccadilly line
Suspended North Ealing to Acton - HE damage 25/10 Park Royal.
Single line Alperton to South Harrow.
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove (Bounds Green 13/10).
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park (Tube damage Holloway Road 14/10)

Northern line
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon, single line Hendon to Edgware.
Suspended Camden Town to Warren Street, single line Warren Street to Strand [now Charing Cross].
Suspended Tooting Broadway to Clapham South, single line Clapham South to Clapham Common.
Angel station closed, and Camden Town station closed at night.

Northern City line
Normal.

Central line
Suspended Ealing Broadway to East Acton , single line East Acton to Wood Lane (damage North Acton 25/10).

District line
Normal.

Metropolitan line
Suspended King's Cross to Farringdon.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.

East London line
Freight only.[4]

"Following is approximate information of dates when some through services may be expected at the principal tube and covered way damages on LPTB:
Bounds Green very shortly.
Holloway Road November 22nd.
Balham - Mid January.
Euston - - Mid January.
Farringdon Road - January 1st.
The LPTB hope to improve on these dates.

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10. All lines blocked - London to Golders Green.

Category B

1. Angel 15/10.[5]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 26/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 26/10/40 to 06:00 27/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 26/10/40 to 06:00 26/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 27/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 27/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Sunday 25 October 2015

25/26 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-ninth day of the London Blitz.

At 13:25 on Friday 25 October 1940, a High Explosive (HE) bomb hit the Central line where it passes through Acton Cemetery just west of North Acton station. Both tracks were damaged, and traffic suspended.[1]

Also at 13:25, debris falling from the Western Avenue bridge at Park Royal Piccadilly line station damaging and blocking both tracks, and slightly damaging the station.[1][2] Services suspended at 13:30, single line working between Alperton and South Harrow from 14:58, and westbound trains reversing at North Ealing from 15:32.[3]

A bomb on the track at North Acton suspended Central line services between Ealing Common and South Harrow. Single line working from 16:00.[3]

An HE blocked Station Approach, adjacent to Harrow-on-the-Hill station.[1]

Northern line services were suspended between Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon between 20:00 and 22:10 due to a slight leakage of water into the tunnel.[4]

Leicester Square station was closed between 20:30 and 21:00 due to a suspected Delayed Action bomb in the vicinity.[4]

Eastbound District line services were reversed at Barking from 20:35 due to a bomb on the track at Upney.[4]

From 21:32 trains were run at slow speed between Stockwell and Oval due to a HE on property over the tunnel, pending inspection.[4]

At 08:00 on the 26th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station closed.
Restricted Queens Park to Willesden & Watford - damage to Kensal Green Tunnel 11/10.
Elsewhere normal.

Piccadilly line
Suspended North Ealing to Acton.
Single line Alperton to South Harrow - HE 25/10 near Alperton.
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park.

Northern line
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon.
Suspended Goodge Street to Camden Town.
Suspended Clapham Common to Tooting Broadway.
Angel station closed, and Camden Town station open day only.

Northern City line
Normal.

Central line
Suspended East Acton to Ealing Broadway.
Single line Wood Lane to East Acton - damage North Acton 25/10.

District line
Normal.

Metropolitan line
Suspended King's Cross to Farringdon.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.

East London line
Freight only.[5]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 17/10 - all lines blocked, London to Golders Green.

Category B

1. Latimer Road, Arch 39 20/10.
2. Angel 15/10.
3. Warren Street, junction of Eden Street and Hampstead Road 23/10. Station closed.[6]


[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 25-26/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 25/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 25/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 25/10/40 to 06:00 26/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 26/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 26/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Saturday 24 October 2015

24/25 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-eighth day of the London Blitz.

At 13:00 on Thursday 24 October 1940, the military carried out a controlled explosion of the Unexploded Bomb (UXB) outside Stockwell station, causing some damage to the building.[1] The station re-opened at 16:55.[2]

Warren Street station was closed at 14:45 due to a UXB in the vicinity.[2]

Services resumed between Kennington and Clapham Common at 13:25, and between Whitechapel and Bromley[-by-Bow] at 16:00.[2]

At 08:00 on the 25th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Restricted Queens Park to Willesden & Watford - damage to Kensal Green Tunnel 11/10.
Trafalgar Square station closed.
Baker Street to Stanmore now open.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove - single line working probably today.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park.

Northern line
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon.
Suspended Goodge Street to Camden Town.
Suspended Clapham Common to Tooting Broadway.
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Angel station closed.
Camden Town station open in daylight only.

Northern City line
Open.

Central line
Normal.

District line
Normal.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.

East London line
Closed for passengers, open for freight.[3]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.

Category B

1. Latimer Road, Arch 89 20/10.
2. Angel 15/10.
3. Warren Street, junction of Eden Street and Hampstead Road 23/10. Station closed.[4]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 24/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 24/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 25/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 25/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Friday 23 October 2015

23/24 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-seventh day of the London Blitz.

At 16:15 on Wednesday 23 October 1940, Stockwell station was closed due to a police report of an Unexploded Bomb (UXB) in the vicinity.[1]

Services suspended between Kennington and Tooting Broadway at 05:44 on the 23rd due to another UXB over the tunnel.[2]

Praed Street [Paddington] station reopened, with services resuming between Edgware Road and Bayswater.[2]

At 08:00 on the 24th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Restricted Queens Park to Willesden & Watford - damage to Kensal Green Tunnel (1 month).
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove (several weeks).
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park (several weeks).

Northern line
Suspended Tooting Broadway to Kennignton (UXB at Stockwell).
Suspended Kennington to Mornington Crescent (via Charing Cross [now Embankment] only); shuttle service between Strand [now Charing Cross] and Warren Street.
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon.
Camden Town station open for interchange only.
Angel station closed.

District line
Suspended Whitechapel to Bromley[-by-Bow] (2 days).

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.

East London line
Closed for passengers, open for freight.[3]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.

Category B

1. Latimer Road, Arch 89 20/10.
2. Angel 15/10.
3. Stockwell 23/10, station closed at 16:15.[4]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 23/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 23/10/40 to 06:00 24/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 24/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 24/10/40, page 3-4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Thursday 22 October 2015

22/23 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-sixth day of the London Blitz.

At 12:28 on Tuesday 22 October 1940, there were signal current problems at Kentish Town. Trains run in series from Archway to Camden Town.[1]

At 19:58 eastbound Central line services were reversed at Queens Road [Queensway] due to debris on the track at Wood Lane. Services resumed at 22:09. [2]

At 08:00 on the 23rd, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Restricted Queens Park to Willesden & Watford - damage to Kensal Green Tunnel (1 month).
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park (several weeks).

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Morden to Clapham Common & Tooting.
Suspended Kennington to Mornington Crescent (several weeks).
Camden Town station open for interchange only.
Angel station closed.
Suspended Golders Green to Hendon.

District line
Suspended Whitechapel to Bromley[-by-Bow].
Suspended Turnham Green to Richmond.
Now running Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended Edgware Road to Bayswater.
Suspended Hammersmith to Ladbroke Grove.

Metropolitan line
Closed for passengers - open for freight.[3]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.
2. New Cross Gate 16/10.

Category B

1. Latimer Road, Arch 89 20/10.
2. Angel Road 15/10.[4]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 22/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 22/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 23/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 23/10/40, page 3-4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Wednesday 21 October 2015

21/22 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-fifth day of the London Blitz.

At 09:17 on Monday 21 October 1940, there was signal trouble at Finchley Central; northbound service reversed at Archway.[1]

A bomb fell near Bridge No. 10 between West Hampstead and Kilburn, near the junction of Netherwood Street and Linstead Street, at 09:50, and services were suspended between the two stations.[1][2]

At 20:40 an Oil Bomb hit the hospital adjacent to Colindale Sidings, damaging cables.[1]

Debris on the line at Aldgate East at 21:15 due to a bomb in the vicinity.[1]

At 22:16 a High Explosive bomb (designated 18/B in the drawing below) fractured the tunnels between Mornington Crescent and Euston on the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line. Water from broken mains entering the tunnel caused a power surge, tripping high-tension cables at Leicester Square, Belsize Park, and Golders Green. Failures at associated sub-stations also affected trolley bus services, and auto telephones north of Euston were disrupted. A gas main was also fracture, and the tunnels filled with debris. Services suspended between Strand [now Charing Cross] and Mornington Crescent.[1][2][3][4] See below for further details.


Suspected bomb on the track at Hounslow West at 21:12. Westbound services reversed at Hounslow Central until 21:30.[3]

Services suspended between Mansion House and Whitechapel at 21:45 due to debris on the track. Services resumed the following day.[3]

At 08:00 on the 22nd, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Restricted Queens Park to Willesden & Watford.
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Clapham Common to Tooting.
Suspended Golders Green to Colindale.
Suspended Kennington to Mornington Crescent - damage at Eversholt Street 21/10.
Camden Town station available for interchange traffic only.
Angel station closed.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.
Suspended Whitechapel to Bromley[-by-Bow].
Suspended Turnham Green to Richmond.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended Edgware Road to Bayswater.[6]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.
2. New Cross Gate 16/10.

Category B

1. Latimer Road, Arch 59 20/10

Category C

1. Edgware Road station 20/10 - no interference with services, but prevents use of lifts and esclators.[7]


Euston Station


At 15:00 on the 22nd, Lt-Col. AHL Mount, the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways at the Ministry of Transport, visited the bomb site, and later reported:
"AT 10.10 p.m. on 21/10, one or more H.E. bombs (probably 500 kilo) fell and exploded in the centre of the street (wood blocks on concrete) at the junction of Eversholt Street and Phoenix Street (a continuation of Seymour Street) immediately outside the Eastern boundary of Euston Station and 100 yards [91 metres] south of the R.C.H. [Railway Clearing House] I understand that this was a deliberate dive bombing attack on Euston from just above the balloon barrage.

The crater was about 55 ft. [17 metres] diameter and 23 ft. [7 metres] deep, going down to the London Clay, the cover above the two 12 ft. 7 in. diameter tube running tunnels being about 44 ft. [13 metres] The roofs of both tunnels were broken in to an extent which it is impossible at present to estimate at points about 200 yards [183 metres] north of Euston Tube Station, and debris ran into both tunnels. (Iron of 12 ft. 7 in. diameter is not standard and therefore will have to be cast specially.)


Water mains of 16 in., 6 in., and 4 in. were fractured and before they could be closed (1½ hours?) water ran into the tunnels, flooded the suicide pits in the station and flowed southwards through the tunnel into the dip on the north side of Warren Street; but at no place were the tunnels flooded to a serious depth, and I understand that the station pumps (automatic) held the water, pending the provision of emergency pumping appliances."
Despite this extensive damage, Mount noted that things could have been even worse:
"A train on the south-bound road had just passed the point of damage when the explosion occurred, and windows in the rear part of the train were broken. Fortunately there were no casualties and refugees were cleared out of the station as a precautionary measure. Five trains were shut in between Euston and the river and will have to be worked back to Kennington by opening the floodgates. It is proposed, however, to retain one train in each tunnel in order to work a shuttle service between Euston and Strand."
Repairs were initially handled by civilian contractors, but shortage of workers meant that this work did not begin immediately, and when it did it was quickly handed over to half of 173rd Tunelling Company, Royal Engineers, under the command of a Captain Lander, on 5 November. Lander had previously worked as an engineer on the Underground, and by 13 November Mount was able to report:
"The Company had made good progress, 7 or 8 rings of a 7 ft. pilot tunnel having been erected in the one tunnel. The face had dried out considerably and appeared to be more consolidated than was anticipated. Captain Lander said that a flagstone or two had been met besides a quantity of tunnel iron.

In breaking away a piece of tunnel iron, the previous shift had cut a Post Office telephone cable which was located just outside the pilot iron. Post Office Engineers were making an examination at the same time, and were effecting repairs. Below the cable was one of the main secret Post Office telephone cables, which was also fouling the pilot iron. Another cable was apparently cut as a result of the accident."
Traffic resumed on 22 February 1941, after reconstruction of 34 rings of iron in one tunnel, and 41 rings in the other. On 28 February 1941 the civilian contractors (who remained responsible for the work being carried out by the Royal Engineers) sent Mount a piece of the bomb that had been uncovered during the repair work. Mount invited Wing Commander JCM Lowe of the Ministry of Home Security to examine the find, which he was able to on 5 March, making the judgement that it was a fragment from a 500 kilo device, but that the piece was so large that it suggested that the casing was weak due to poor manufacture, and it had fractured before detonation was fully complete.[5][8][9]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 21/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 21-22/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 21/10/40 to 06:00 22/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 14B [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Notes: Notes on damage to railway tunnels by high explosive weapons Section 1, Tube railways. 26 March 1942. Author, Dr. EWJ Phillips [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 196/11]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 22/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 22/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[8] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
[9] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1941-1942 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2766]


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Tuesday 20 October 2015

20/21 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-fourth day of the London Blitz.

On Sunday 20 October 1940, a High Explosive (HE) bomb blocked the District line tracks at Upminster.[1]

An Unexploded Bomb (UXB) near Aldgate East station at 14:17 suspended services between Farringdon and Whitechapel, between Whitechapel and Mansion House, and between Mansion House and Whitechapel. Full services resumed at 16:40.[2]

There was a bomb explosion between Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon on the Northern line, and water was reported in the tunnel. Services suspended between Tooting Broadway and Morden at 15:40 for a tunnel examination. Services resumed at 18:37.[2]

A fire 50 yards (45 metres) from the Northern line track between Golders Green and Brent [Cross] suspended the existing single line service at 20:03.[3]

At 20:10 a bomb blast struck the the signal box at South Kensington station, while a bomb at the west end of the westbound platform at Turnham Green station damaged the signal box, and derailing the rear part of a departing train. [4] Debris was also reported on the track between Barons Court and Earls Court. Current off between Ravenscourt Park and Chiswick Park. District line services suspended between Earls Court and Acton, and Piccadilly line services between Hyde Park Corner and Acton Town. Piccadilly line services between Hyde Park Corner and Hammersmith resumed at 22:36.[5]

Also at 20:10, all tracks between Willesden Green and Neasden were blocked. Single line working between Willesden Green and Wembley Park at 22:59; southbound local at 04:58, and northbound local at 05:47.[3]

At 20:23 HEs hit the bridge carrying the District & Piccadilly line tracks over Turnham Green Terrace.[1]

Addison Road station was hit by multiple HEs at 20:50, various station buildings being partly or wholly destroyed, and the track cratered and damaged.[6]

Neasden Metropolitan line station was hit by two HEs at 21:20, leaving the track blocked by debris and a crater, and power cables displaced.[6]

At 21:26 a bomb damaged the footbridge at Bow Road station, blocking Up and Down lines with debris.[7]

A UXB was reported 100 yards (91 metres) south of the signal box near Latimer Road station, although it was noted that the bomb may have already exploded under the ground. Another UXB was reported 30 yards (27 metres) west of the station at 22:20, and a third one 20 yards (18 metres) from the signal box at 23:45. Services suspended between Hammersmith and Ladbroke Grove.[6][5][8]

Between 23:30 and 23:45 the Northern line's southern terminus at Morden was hit by an HE and an Oil Bomb,[9] with the first hitting track south of the station, and the second landing on a shed in the Depot.[6][8]

At 00:05 on the 21st, several bombs damaged cable bridges and cables at the Northern line's Highgate Depot. Current off.[8][5]

The LPTB headquarters at 55 Broadway were hit by a falling anti-aircraft shell, which penetrated the north east roof and internal floors at 00:58, but caused no casualties.[8]

Services were suspended between Golders Green and Colindale at 03:25 due to a UXB on Burroughs Playing Fields.[5]

At 05:12, adjacent to Golders Green station, 25 Golders Green Crescent was hit by an HE, damaging retaining wall arches.[8][5]

At 08:00 on the 21th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station closed
Restricted service Queens Park to Willesden & Watford.
Baker Street to Stanmore normal.

Central line
Normal.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Clapham Common to Tooting.
Single line working Clapham South to Clapham Common.
Suspended Golders Green to Colindale.
Camden, Angel, and Old Street closed.

Northern City
Normal.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.
Suspended Whitechapel to Bromley[-by-Bow].

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended Edgware ROad to Bayswater.
Country lines normal.

East London line
Suspended.[10]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.
2. Surrey Docks 16/10 (East London line).
3. New Cross Gate 16/10.

Category B

1. Woodside Park 14/10 - services suspended (2 UXBs).
2. Angel station 15/10 - UXB in forecourt of station.
3. Golders Green Depot 11/10 - trains unable to stabled in yard.
4. Edgware Road station 20/10 - no interference with services, but prevents use of lift and escalators.[11]
[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 20-21/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 19/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 20/10/40 to 06:00 21/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 20/10/40 to 06:00 21/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 20/10/40 to 06:00 21/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 20-21/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 20/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[8] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 20/10/40 to 06:00 21/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[9] A large Incendiary Bomb the size of a domestic dustbin, dropped by parachute.
[10] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 21/10/40, page 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[11] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 21/10/40, page 3-4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Monday 19 October 2015

19/20 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-third day of the London Blitz.

At 11:25 on Saturday 19 October 1940, single line working between Bayswater and South Kensington due to damage at Praed Street [Paddington] station.[1]

Services suspended between Enfield West [now Oakwood] and Cockfosters from 13:10 due to an Unexploded Bomb [UXB] at No. 8 siding, Cockfosters.[1]

At 20:10 services were reversed at Northfields due to bombs in the vicinity of Boston manor station. Services resumed at 20:55 after a track inspection.[2]

At 20:40 there was a heavy explosion at Euston, with water reported to be percolating through to one of the southbound Northern line platforms.[3]

Current was off between Wimbledon Park and Wimbledon stations at 20:47; trains reversed at Wimbledon Park.[2]

District line services suspended between Barking and Mansion House at 21:15 due to bomb damage at Bow Road station.[2]

A Delayed Action (DA) bomb was reported 30 ft (9 metres) from the King William Street entrance to Bank station at 21:17.[4] The station was closed, but exit allowed via Monument station.[2]

Central line services were suspended between Wood Lane and Ealing Broadway at 21:58 due to a bomb adjacent to North Acton station.[2]

The track at Baker Street was covered in debris, and signals damaged, at 22:00.[4]

At 22:05 a High Explosive (HE) bomb on the south side of Marylebone Road damaged the District/Metropolitan line tracks.[5]

Richmond to Turnham Green suspended at 22:25 due to enemy action. Resumed Richmond to Gunnersby only at 22:55.[2]

At 22:30 Incendiary Bombs (IB) landed on the roof of the LPTB headquarters at 55 Broadway (see report of 14/15 October, here), but were dealt with by staff before any damage was caused.[4]

At 23:30 the roof of Aldgate station was on fire.[4]

At 00:03 on the 20th, an HE bomb fell in Spur Road, Waterloo, and penetrated to the Waterloo & City line depot.[6] Nos. 6 & 7 sidings were reported at 01:35 as being blocked with debris.[4]

At 02:25 the heavy steel cable of a barrage balloon was reported across the track at Goldhawk Road station.[4]

10 mph speed limit between Tower Hill and Aldgate East from 05:30 to 06:15, due to defective signals.[2]

At 08:00 on the 19th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Northbound trains reversing at Queens Park.
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Central line
Suspended Ealing to Wood Lane - bomb damage at East Acton 19/10.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park.
Suspended Enfield West to Cockfosters.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.
Suspended Upton Park to Whitechapel - bomb damage at Bow Road 19/10.

East London line
Suspended.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended Queens Road to Edgware ROad.
Single line working South Kensington to Queens Road.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Tooting Broadway to Clapham Common.
Single line working Clapham South to Clapham Common.
Suspended Hendon to Golders Green.
Shuttle service Hendon to Edgware.
Single line working Golders Green to Brent [now Brent Cross].
Camden Town station closed, interchange only.
Old Street station closed, interchange only.
Angel station closed.

Additional late information

Bomb through tunnel east of Baker Street blocking Circle line. Services suspended Queens Road [Bayswater] to Farringdon.[7]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.
2. Surrey Docks 16/10.
3. New Cross Gate 16/10.

Category B

1. Woodside Park 14/10 - services suspended (2 UXBs).
2. Angel station 15/10 - UXB in forecourt of station.
3. Golders Green Depot 11/10 - trains unable to stabled in yard.
4. Cockfosters (No. 8 siding) 19/10 - services suspended Enfield West to Cockfosters.[8]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 19/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 19/10/40 to 06:00 20/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 19/10/40 to 06:00 20/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 19/10/40 to 06:00 20/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 19-20/10/40, page 8 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 19-20/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 20/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 20/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Sunday 18 October 2015

18/19 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-second day of the London Blitz.

At 18:30 on Friday 18 October 1940, District line services were suspended between South Kensington and Edgware Road due to damage at Praed Street [Paddington] station.[1]

Ealign Common station was closed at 21:15 due to bombs in the vicinity.[1]

At 08:00 on the 19th, the following working conditions were reported:
Bakerloo line
Northbound trains reversing at Queens Park.
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended King's Cross to Finsbury Park.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Tooting Broadway to Clapham Common.
Single line working Clapham South to Clapham Common.
Suspended Hendon to Golders Green.
Shuttle service Hendon to Edgware.
Single line working Golders Green to Brent [now Brent Cross].
Camden Town station closed, interchange only.
Old Street station closed, interchange only.
Angel station closed, interchange only.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Suspended South Kensington to Edgware Road - Praed Street Station unsafe.[2]

Unexploded Bombs

Category B

1. Hendon 16/10 - all lines blocked, Hendon to Golders Green.
2. East London Tunnel 17/10 - Land Mine in River, lines blocked.
3. Woodside Park 14/10 - services suspended (2 UXBs).
4. Angel station 15/10 - UXB in forecourt of station.
5. Golders Green Depot 11/10 - trains unable to stabled in yard.[3]
[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 18/10/40 to 06:00 19/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 19/10/40, page 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 19/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Saturday 17 October 2015

17/18 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Forty-first day of the London Blitz.

At 09:50 on Thursday 17 October 1940, Northern line services were suspended between Brent and Hendon Central due to a Delayed Action bomb in a bank adjacent to Hendon Central. Single line working between Hendon Central and Edgware from 10:04.[1]

Praed Street [Paddington] station was closed at 18:30 due to unstable walls.[1]

ervices were suspended between Northfields and Hounslow West due to a bomb in the vicinity of Hounslow East, from 20:10 to 20:17.[2]

The District line was suspended between South Kensington and Queens Road (suspected current rail problems) from 20:19 to 21:00, and between Gunnersby and Richmond from 20:22 to 02:18 on the 18th. Bombs in the vicinity of Bromley-by-Bow at 21:15 suspended services from Bow Road to Plaistow until 22:05, while current problems suspended services between Wimbledon and Wimbledon Park from 20:55 to 21:20.[2]

At 21:45 eight high-tension feeders at Greenwich Power Station were out due to enemy action.[2]

At 08:00 on the 18th, the following working conditions were reported:
"Bakerloo line
Northbound trains reversing at Queens Park.
Trafalgar Square station closed, trains passing.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended Finsbury Park to King's Cross.
Suspended South Harrow to Rayners Lane - fire in vicinity.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.
Suspended Turnham Green to Richmond - current supply difficulties.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Tooting Broadway to Clapham Common.
Single line working Clapham South to Clapham Common.
Suspended Hendon to Golders Green.
Shuttle service Hendon to Edgware.
Single line working Golders Green to Brent [now Brent Cross].
Camden Town station closed, interchange only.
Angel station closed, interchange only.
Old Street station closed.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to King's Cross.
Praed Street Station [Paddington] closed, trains passing.

East London line
Suspended.[3]

Unexploded Bombs
1. Aldgate East and St Marys - services suspended (2 UXB)
2. Woodside Park 14/10 - services suspended (2 UXBs).
3. Russell Square 16/10 - UX Land Mine on roof of flats in Herbrand St. opposite station.
4. Angel station 15/10 - UXB in forecourt of station.
5. Golders Green Depot 11/10 - trains unable to stabled in yard.[4]
[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 14/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National [7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 13/10/40 to 06:00 17/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 17/10/40 to 06:00 18/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 18/10/40, page 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 18/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Friday 16 October 2015

16/17 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Fortieth day of the London Blitz.

At 18:00 on Wednesday 16 October 1940, the line west of Acton Town station was damaged.[1]

At 18:48, various problems were reported at the sites of recent bombings. A main sewer burst at Balham Northern line station, while rainwater was entering the shattered escalator shaft at Trafalgar Square (now Charing Cross) Bakerloo line station.[2]

At 19:35 debris was reported on the track at South Kensington, with signals EE3 and EE5 damaged.[2] Services suspended between Earls Court and St James's Park from 19:35 to 22:05.[3]

A 250kg bomb (designated A/2 in the plan below) destroyed 142 Archway Road, directly over the Northern line between Archway and East Finchley station, cracking the concrete lining in two tunnel rings.[4]


Bakerloo line services suspended between Paddington and Elephant & Castle from 20:30 to 21:15 due to a defective train at Piccadilly Circus.[3]

Warren Street station was closed at 20:31 due to bombs in the vicinity.[3]

Multiple problems were reported at 20:45. A bomb hit the track between Kingsbury and Queensbury stations, while three bombs hit Neasden Depot.[2] Burnt Oak sub-station was out of action, the feeders from Hendon sub-station damaged,[5] while services were suspended between Wembley Park and Stanmore due to bomb damage at Wembley Park.[3]

The Chesham branch of the Metropolitan line was suspended at 20:55 due to bombs in the vicinity.[3]

An incendiary bomb went through the roof of a train at South Harrow at 21:55.[5]

At 22:05 current was lost between Russell Square and Your Road (disused station between King's Cross and Caledonian Road), reason unknown. Eastbound services reversed at Covent Garden.[3]

At 23:03 a burst water main flooded Kilburn Park sub-station.[5]

Central line services were suspended between Marble Arch and Holborn from 22:28 to 00:18, and between East Acton and Wood Lane from 00:10 to 08:11 due to reported track subsidence.[3]

At 00:22 on the 17th, a falling Anti-Aircraft shell exploded between Gloucester Road station and Cromwell Road bridge, bursting the air main, and slightly damaging signals. Everything was in order by 02:04, with the exception of the signals.[5]

At 02:20 a large crater was reported between the down line and the siding north of Wembley Park station.[3] At 05:27 an Unexploded bomb (UXB) was reported 50 yards (46 metres) north of Wembley Park.[1]

Bombs between 8, 9 and 10 roads at Neasden Depot damaged track and two trains.[5]

Two Delayed Action bombs in the Victoria Sports Ground suspended all services west of Acton Town from 03:08 to 06:52.[3]

At 03:25 services were suspended between Edgware Road and Hendon Central due to a dead short on the track.[3]

At 08:00 on the 17th, the following working conditions were reported:
"Bakerloo line
Northbound trains reversing at Queens Park, and services suspended Wembley Park to Stanmore - damage 17/10.
Trafalgar Square station closed.

Central line
Suspended Wood Lane to Ealing Broadway - repaired crater affected by rain.

Northern line
Suspended Strand (now Charing Cross) to Kennington.
Suspended Tooting Broadway to Clapham Common.
Suspended Hendon to Edgware - bomb at Hendon 17/10.
Single line working Hendon to Golders Green.
Camden Town station closed.
Angel station closed - UXB in forecourt.
Old Street station closed - UXB in vicinty.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended Finsbury Pakr to King's Cross.
Suspended Acton Town to Northfields.
Restricted services Ealing Common to Acton Town.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Mansion House.
Suspended Acton to Northfields
Suspended Dagenham to Baking.
Restricted services Ealing Common to Acton Town.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Moorgate to King's Cross - damage 16/10, and unsafe buildings.
Suspended Edgware Road to South Kensington - damage to Praed Street station.
Suspended Stanmore to Wembley Park, Neasden to Preston Road, and Harrow to Preston Road - damage at Wembley Park 17/10.

East London line
Suspended - damage at East Surrey Docks 16/10.[6]

Unexploded Bombs
1. Canons Park 09/10 - services suspended between Stanmore and Wembley Park.
2. Woodside Park 14/10 - services suspended (2 UXBs).
3. Russell Square 16/10 - Ux Land Mine on roof of flats in Herbrand St. opposite station.
4. Angel station 15/10 - UXB in forecourt of station.
5. Golders Green Depot 11/10 - trains unable to stabled in yard.[7]


[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 16-17/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 16/10/40 to 06:00 17/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 16/10/40 to 06:00 17/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 11 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 16/10/40 to 06:00 17/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 16/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 16/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]


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Thursday 15 October 2015

15/16 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Thirty-ninth day of the London Blitz.

At 20:00 on Tuesday 15 October 1940, a bomb derailed a District line train at Southfields, breaking all its windows, and injuring several passengers. The track was also damaged, and service suspended between Putney Bridge and Wimbledon.[1]

The Metropolitan line tunnel at Whitechapel High Street was penetrated by two separate High Explosive (HE) bombs at 20:05 and 23:12.[2]

Eastbound District line services were reversed at Bow Road from 20:20 due to a large fire at Bromley-by-Bow.[3]

Services through Queens Park were restricted from 20:27 to 22:30 due to debris on the track caused by a bomb nearby.[3]

Warren Street station closed from 20:30 to 21:58 due to bombs in the vicinity.[3]

At 21:40 a bomb breached the tunnel between Mark Lane (west of the site of the current Tower Hill replacement) and Aldgate East stations.[1] Services suspended between mansion House and Whitechapel.[3]

Earls Court station closed between 21:40 and 22:08 due to a suspected Delayed Action (DA) bomb outside.[3]

Services suspended at Gunnersby due to a bomb on the track at 21:40; resumed 00:45.[3]

At 22:15 one of the subways connected to Bank station was penetrated by a bomb, but it was empty at the time.[2] At 02:45 on the 16th the canopy of the station's Lombard Street entrance was damaged by bomb blast.[4]

Marble Arch station was closed at 22:35 due to heavy firing by Anti-Aircraft guns in Hyde Park.[3]

At 23:20 an Incendiary Bomb damaged glass on the roof of Gloucester Road station.[1]

Angel station was closed at 23:25 due to a DA outside.[2][5]

Power from Highgate sub-station to the sections between East Finchley and Highgate, and Highgate and Kentish Town, failed at 23:54; current resumed at 00:01.[5]

At 23:54 glass in the frontage of Holborn station was also damaged.[1]

The District/Piccadilly line tracks a quarter-mile west of Acton Town were damaged by an HE at 02:30 on the 16th; services suspended.[2]

At 03:05 windows were broken in the linesmen's hut and debris on the track at the Metropolitan line part of King's Cross station.[4] At 03:40 a bomb went through the Clerkenwell Tunnel. Numbers 13, 22, and 27 feeders from Charlton Street sub-station were broken.[1]

The west siding and fly-over at Acton Town were damaged at 03:35.[4]

Glass was damaged at Leicester Square station at 03:40.[1]

At 03:44 an HE breached the Metropolitan line tunnels between King's Cross and Farringdon Street stations, rupturing both gas mains and the Fleet sewer, and filling the tunnels with gas and flooding them with with water. Two patrolmen trapped.[2][1] At 03:52 two DAs were reported by the signal cabin at Aldersgate (now Barbican) station. Power to tracks and lighting failed.[5]

At 04:45 tunnel segments were cracked 80 yards south of Highgate station.[4]

At 08:00 on the 16th, the following working conditions were reported:
"Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station closed.
Northbound trains reversing at Queens Park, services suspended Canons Park to Stanmore.

District line
Suspended Charing Cross [now Embankment] to Whitechapel - damage between Whitechapel and Mark Lane.
Suspended Acton Town to Northfields - damage near Acton Town.
Suspended Dagenham to Barking.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Baker Street to Moorgate (16/10) - damage at King's Cross and Aldersgate [now Barbican].
Suspended Edgware Road to South kensington.

Northern line
Suspended Strand [now Charing Cross] to Kennington.
Suspended Tooting to Clapham Common.
Camden Town station closed.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Wood Green to Arnos Grove.
Suspended Finsbury Park to King's Cross.
Suspended Acton Town to Northfields, and Acton Town to Alperton - damage near Acton Town 16/10.
Russell Square station closed - land mine nearby.

East London Line
Open for freight only.[6]
[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 15/10/40 to 06:00 16/10/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 15-16/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 15/10/40 to 06:00 16/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 15/10/40 to 06:00 16/10/40, sheet 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 15/10/40 to 06:00 16/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 16/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]


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Wednesday 14 October 2015

14/15 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Thirty-eighth day of the London Blitz, which saw the highest death toll on the London Underground on a single day due to direct enemy action during the entire War.

At 19:35 on Monday 14 October 1940, High Explosive (HE) and Incendiary Bombs (IB) hit the District line tunnel between Blackfriars and Mansion House, damaging both stations.[1] Services reversed at Aldgate East.[2]

Single line working was instituted between Wembley Park and Canons Park at 19:45.[2]

At 20:02, a 1,400 kg semi-armour piercing bomb struck the road surface on Balham High Road, just north of Balham Northern line station. Penetrating deeply before detonating, the bomb then exploded, causing a massive crater on the surface, whilst simultaneously breaching the northern end of the north-bound platform tunnel. The bomb landed only a few yards in front of a northbound number 88 bus, and the driver was powerless to prevent his vehicle crashing into the crater. An avalanche of earth, debris, and water from broken mains and sewers flooded into the station, which was packed with people sheltering from the air raid, causing multiple fatalities. The running tunnels between Clapham South and Tooting Bec stations were also flooded. Southbound trains were reversed at Clapham Common, with current off south of the latter station to Morden.[2][3][4][5] See below for further details.

At 20:28, two 500 kg bombs (designated A/3 in the plan below) landed on Bayswater Road, 50 feet [15 metres] apart, and 60 feet [18 metres] above the Central line between Queens Road (now Queensway) and Lancaster Gate stations. The tunnels suffered only slight damage, and traffic was not interrupted.[6][7]


At 20:57 a 250 kg bomb (designated "151/B" on the plan below) exploded on the west side of Camden Town station, demolishing part of the building, and damaging and blocking the top of the escalators. At the time a number of people were sheltering from the air raid, both on the platforms, and at the top of the escalators, and five were killed immediately, or sustained injuries from which they later died. Approximately fifteen members of the public and five LPTB staff were injured. Services were initially suspended between Euston and Moorgate, and between Strand (now Charing Cross) and Golders Green/High Barnet, although they later resumed between Archway and High Barnet, and Golders Green to Edgware. At 22:06 through services between Strand and Edgware and High Barnet resumed, and at 22:55 between Moorgate and Euston. As only the station building was damaged, traffic through this vital choke-point of the Northern line was not significantly interrupted.[2][4][5][7][8][9][10][11]


At 21:07 a second bomb (designated "SP9" on the plan above) landed in Dewsbury Terrace, which forms the top side of the inverted triangle of land on which Camden Town station is situated, but this not cause further damage to the Underground.[9] At almost exactly the same time, to the south, a bomb (designated "SP9" on the plan below) demolished a four-storey building approximately 200 metres north of Mornington Crescent station, and almost over the Northern line tunnels, but again not significantly damaging them.[12]


A 500 kg bomb exploded over the Piccadilly line about 100 yards (91 metres) south of Holloway Road station at 21:30. All current off between Hyde Park Corner and Wood Green, with eastbound service reversing at Hyde Park Corner, although at 23:53 services were extended to Covent Garden. It was later discovered that segments of both tunnels were cracked, partially filling them with clay for about 60 feet (18 metres). Low tension cables were burnt through, and the current rail was displaced for, "a considerable length," although there was reported to be little ingress of water. Repairs were started on 18 October, and finished on 3 December, with traffic resuming two days later.[2][4][10][13][14]

Oxford Circus station was closed at 21:50 due to flooding.[2]

At 22:30 eastbound District line trains were reversed at Bow Road due to bombs at Plaistow.[2]

The London Passenger Transport Board's headquarters at 55 Broadway, directly over St James's Park station, was hit by an HE at 23:59, setting the west wing on fire.[13][15]


At 08:00 on the 15th, the following working conditions were reported:
"Information generally is very incomplete. The HQ of the Board, 55 Broadway, were reported hit by an HE; considerable fire started. No details yet."

Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station closed.
Northbound trains reversing at Queens Park, services suspended Canons Park to Stanmore.[15]

Unexploded Bombs
1. Canons Park 09/10 - services suspended between Stanmore and Wembley.
2. Woodside Park 04/10 - services suspended.
3. Golders Green Depot 11/10 - trains unable to be stabled in yards.
4. Neasden Depot 13/10 - no interference.[16]


Balham Station


The breach in the platform tunnel, with
clock stopped at the time of the explosion

At 12:00 on the 15th, Lt-Col. AHL Mount, the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways at the Ministry of Transport, visited the bomb site, and later reported:
"At 20.02 hours (precisely) on 14/10, a heavy bomb (presumably 500 kilo?) fell on the north-bound tramway track in Balham high Road, some 200 yards [183 metres] north of the Southern Railway main (Brighton) line 4-track bridge over this road, 1½ miles [2.4 km] south east of Clapham Junction and the same distance north west of Streatham.

This site was immediately over the north end of the north-bound tube platform where the tunnel lining is 22 ft. 1½ in. diameter, and about 27 ft. below the surface of the road. The top of the tunnel was broken in to an extent which is at present unknown; the south side of the fracture being located some 18 ft. north of the platform clock. The road carried three 30 in. water mains and one of 10 in.; also a 4 ft. x 2 ft. 8 in. sewer and two gas mains 6 in. and 8 in. All the mains were broken as also many cable and of course the tram lines. A large quantity of shingle, silt, and water and some clay ran through the cavity into the tunnel with the result that the final crater extended completely across the road from shop to shop, its diameter being some 60 to 70 ft. A north-bound No. 88 bus had pitched headlong into it at a steep angle, the conductor's platform coming to rest just above the level of the roadway. It will be a big operation in itself to get the bus out.

Entering the station via the escalators, we walked through the sliding watertight door on to the shingle and silt covered platform and up to the bottom of the crater through which there was daylight; the dept of the shingle and silt over the platform was 4 or 5 ft. tapering off to nothing at the south end of the platform. The Stationmaster's office was located at the north end of this platform on the north side of the crater, but we did not inspect that side and at present I have not heard whether anyone has done so. The shingle had flowed out through the one sliding and one hinged watertight doors on this platform into the escalator chamber. There is another sliding watertight door from this chamber giving access to the south-bound platform through which the Fire Brigade were pumping out this tunnel. Water was still draining from one of the mains into the crater like a small waterfall."


The lower escalator chamber;
note the sliding watertight door

With regard to the unprecedented loss of life, Mount appeared to be hoping for the best, or rather the least-worst:
"With the police, we interviewed Mrs. F Chalmers of 20 Southey Road, Kennington, who was accustomed, with her friends, to shelter at the south end of the north-bound platform. We gathered that, after hearing the bomb, she felt no blast (and she had had experience of bomb blast), but the lights went out. She was certain that the watertight doors were closed and that members of the public immediately opened them, the rush of water and shingle being heard; in the darkness they were able to get away from the platform, and Mrs. Chalmer's general impression seemed to be that few were left behind. The numbers taking shelter were apparently normal. Mrs. Chalmers referred to the Stationmaster and his relations who were usually collected near his office, and she thought they must have been buried.

No. 5 Group Co-Ordinating Officer, Civil Defence, informed us that his reports up to date varied from 12 to 22 dead and he thought 40 to 50 was an outside guess for those who had been caught under the debris. It must depend largely upon how closely people were lying.

Some digging had already been undertaken in the search for bodies, but I think the suggested figure of 200 is clearly an exaggeration and, having regard to the comparative slowness with which the shingle, silt and water must have come in, I shall be surprised if the numbers killed are not considerably less than the above-mentioned guess."


The bus is winched out of the crater (right)

By 6 December Mount reported that progress on the repairs to the station were going well, and that it might be possible to have the tunnels open to traffic again before Christmas, but that bodies were still being recovered. He visited the site again on 13 December, and noted that the water mains and sewer destroyed by the explosion had been rebuilt, but the contamination of the site and number of bodies still in situ had made for difficult working conditions:
"The men are now working under better conditions, and gas masks are no longer being used; disinfectants are plentiful and I understand there has been no undue sickness. Having regard to the conditions, the men receive an additional allowance. By means of tarpaulins over the top of the shaft, operation are being carried on continuously; some 60 men are working by day and 30 by night.

Up to date, some 40 bodies have been accounted for, but a considerable number (I gather perhaps 20 or more) still remain to be recovered from the invert under the platform; also from the cross-passage on which the bomb fell."


The cross-passageway between the
platforms, where the bomb detonated

With regard to the bomb itself, Mount noted:
"Wing-Commander Lowe today examined the piece of the bomb in my office, and stated that it was of 1400 kilo. type, semi armour piercing, overall length 10 ft., diameter 22.3". The same type of bomb was responsible for the damage at Sloane Square [on 12 November 1940]. Many other smaller fragments have been collected from inside the tunnel, and there seems to be no doubt that the bomb fell at an angle, west to east, and exploded on hitting the lintel girders of the 11 ft. 8½ in. cross-passage at its junction with the North-bound tunnel, some 32 ft. below surface."
The more of the site was cleared, however, the more apparent it became that the earlier estimate that work could be completed by Christmas was overly optimistic, and it was more likely to be the middle of January. Total expenditure was expected to be, "in the order of £25,000 to £30,00, perhaps more," the equivalent of £1.2 to £1.4 million today. In the event, traffic through the station resumed on 8 January 1941, with the station itself reopening again on the 19th.

For many years the Commonwealth War Graves Commission recorded sixty-five people as having died in the stations. One previously unrecorded fatality was added in May 2010, making sixty-six in total.[17]


[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 14-15/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 14/10/40 to 06:00 15/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 14-15/09/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[4] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 14/10/40 to 06:00 15/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[6] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 15 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
[7] Ministry of Home Security, Air Raid Precautions (ARP GEN) Registered files: AIR RAIDS, Incident Reports, Tube incidents statistics [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 186/2419]
[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 14-15/09/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[9] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
[10] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1941-1942 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2766]
[11] Casualty & Fatality Analysis: Camden Town 14/10/40
[12] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
[13] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 14/10/40 to 06:00 15/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[14] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 24B [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
[15] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 15/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[16] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 15/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
[17] Casualty & Fatality Analysis: Balham 14/10/40


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Tuesday 13 October 2015

13/14 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Thirty-seventh day/night of the London Blitz.

On Sunday 13 October 1940, windows at Bow Road District line station were broken by a nearby bomb blast.[1]

At 09:30 District line services were reversing at Mansion House and St James Park.[2]

Green Park and Hyde Park Corner stations were closed at 14:00 and 14:20 respectively, due to heavy firing of Anti-Aircraft guns in the Parks themselves. Both reopened at 14:50.[2]

Wembley Park station was hit by two High Explosive (HE) bombs at 19:47, damaging telephone wires and signals.[3]

The high-tension feeders at Harrow sub-station were damaged at 19:50. Power restored at 21:05.[3]

At 19:59 a nearby HE shattered glass in the roof of South Kensington station.[3]

A bomb close to Stanmore station at 20:07 injured a booking clerk, and killed 32-year-old Eric Charles Sargent, who lived in one of the flats above the station building. Glass in the station was smashed, and LPTB huts damaged.[3][4]

Service between Camden Town and Golders Green were suspended from 20:20 to 21:08 for a track examination.[5]


At 21:15 a bomb from a lone enemy aircraft demolished two houses directly above the east end of the westbound platform tunnel of Bounds Green Piccadilly line station - the image above shows the remains of the houses, with the wartime shielding to the station's ventilation tower being just visible top-right. Approximately 6-to-8 segments of tunnel collapsed on the scores of people on the platform sheltering from the air raid.[3] Services were suspended between Wood Green and Arnos Grove,[5] although they were resumed between Cockfosters and Enfield West (now Oakwood) the following day.[6] See below for further details.

Paddington (Praed Street) station on the Metropolitan line was hit by three bombs at 23:00, damaging the roof, platforms, and track.[7] Five people were either killed immediately or died of the injuries in situ, one person died in hospital the same day, and two on the following day, making eight in total.[8] Services suspended between Edgware Road and South Kensington.[5]

The short Metropolitan branch line to Chesham was suspended between 23:10 and 00:45.[5]

Bakerloo line services between Wembley Park and Baker Street were suspended at 23:21,[5] and resumed at 08:10 the following day.[6]

A bomb in the vicinity of Lords Metropolitan line station - between Baker Street and Finchley Road - at 23:21 damaged a retaining wall.[7]

At 01:06 on the 14th, Incendiary Bombs on West Brompton District line station started a twenty-pump fire.[9]

Northern line services were suspended at 07:20 between Woodside Park and High Barnet due to a suspected Delayed Action (DA) bomb near Woodside Park.[5] At 09:50 a second DA was discovered nearby.[6]

Bounds Green Station


At 11:00 on the 14th, Lt-Col. Mount of the Ministry of Transport made his customary inspection of the bomb site, and later reported:
"At about 21.17 on 13/10, a heavy bomb (500 kilo?) fell on two houses (Cranbrook) in Bounds Green Road, some 120 to 130 yards [119 to 128 metres] north of Bounds Green Station booking hall. The house (not the Board's property) were completely demolished, killing 4 people, and a huge crater was formed, 60 to 70 ft. [18 to 21 metres] diameter, and depth being about 20 ft. [6 metres] This was immediately above the north end of the southbound platform, where the tunnel is 21'1½" [6.4 metres] diameter, the top of it being 37 ft. [11.3 metres] below the surface; the tunnel iron was 1¼" [3.2 cm] thick.

The station building was not affected and the escalators (51.88 ft. rise) remained running; nor was the lighting affected. The top 22 segments of the platform tunnel, immediately under the crater, were broken in, and clay and debris fell through the hole, some 40' x 20', thus formed in the roof. Some 200 tons of debris filled the tunnel, enveloping refugees on the platform, 17 of whom were killed and 59 injured; it is estimated that 12 to 15 are still buried, and a temporary tunnel in iron will be commenced tonight at platform level to extricate the bodies.

The concrete lining inside the tunnel segments will have to be removed before full examination can be made of the lining, but no doubt more than 22 rings are affected.

The adjoining northbound tunnel was evidently shaken and moved, longitudinal cracks being apparent in the tiling and concrete filling. The platform nosing at the north end was also shifted 3" towards the track, which gives an idea of the vibratory movement. The platform had already been realigned in cement by the Board's staff, and the track appears fir for traffic; but it will be unsafe to put it into operation on account of the instability of the crater debris, and until the loose muck is secured it seems unlikely that the northbound line can be opened, say, for ten days."
He also noted:
"The attack cannot have been directed towards the Tube, and the hit must have been fortuitous; it appears that the enemy was attempting to cut off King's Cross, by hitting the south end of the L. & N.E.R. main line tunnel between Wood Green Station and New Southgate, the south end of the tunnel being only a few hundred yards to the west of Bounds Green Station. The main line here has ordinary signals and not colour-lights, but there was brilliant moonlight. This appears to be the only explanation as there is no aerodrome nearby."
Added by hand to Mount's report was: "This is the 6th bomb damage to Tube tunnelling."

The damage was so extensive that it was decided that the only way to tackle it would be to expand the crater into a timber-lined trench covering the whole width of the damaged platform tunnel, which could then be rebuilt, before being covered over again. Mount estimated that this would require, "some 4,000 running feet of 12' by 12' and 14' x 14' timbers, at least 34 ft. long."[10]

Repairs were started on 25 October, and completed on 12 December. Traffic was running again four days later, and the site cleared the following day.[11]

The number and composition of the fatal casualties in this incident has long been a cause of confusion. In 1947 the London Passenger Transport Board published its own account of its operations during the War, London Transport Carried On, by Charles Graves. Clearly heavily based on its own records, it stated:
"In fact, nineteen people were killed, all except three of whom were Belgians. A local colony of refugees from Belgium had ensconced themselves at the far end of the west platform on the first night of the blitz. They kept themselves to themselves, and it was only because they had been blitzed out of two homes in forty-eight hours that the foreman ticket-collector had permitted three British subjects to shelter in the Belgians' section of the platform.

The ticket-collector had just made this arrangement when he decided to ascend to ground level and make a personal reconnaissance of the blitz overhead. A solitary German aircraft had been flying round for nearly half an hour, evidently in search of a particular target. As the ticket-collector stared upwards he heard the whizz of a bomb, followed by a crash of glass. The bomb had fallen on top of four 3-storeyed house to the right of the station. The ground did not vibrate unduly and he presumed that no particular damage had been done.

However, as he walked down to platform level he heard screaming. Half the platform was in darkness. At the far end he could see that the tunnel had caved in. Having allocated the sleeping accommodation only a few minutes previously, he knew that at least sixty people were involved. Crowds were milling around the safe section of the platform. He promptly sent a porter to the local A.R.P. headquarters and, himself, hurried to a nearby hospital which provided two doctors and six nurses.

With these reinforcements he returned to the scene and made his way behind the debris where he found fifteen or twenty injured Belgians. These were removed to hospital.... By 3.0 a.m. all the injured people had been taken away, but nearly a week elapsed before all the corpses had been removed."[12]
As a primary source, Graves's description and numbering of the fatalities has been repeated by other authors over the years, with each such citation building upon and reinforcing those previously. In some cases writers elaborated on the sparse details Graves gives to highlight the supposed irony of the death toll. Carpenter, for example, notes:
"It was particularly poignant that the strict allocation system had been instrumental in selecting the victims. Sixteen of the fatalities were Belgian refugees who were permanently allotted to the east end of the platform. The remaining three were British newcomers to the shelter who had been temporarily placed in the Belgian area by the station foreman."[12]
Halliday similarly states:
"The nature of the casualties [at Bounds Green] made this a particularly tragic episode. Sixteen of the dead were Belgian refugees who had fled their country at the time of the Dunkirk invasion and had created a Belgian enclave at one end of the platform. On this particular night they had welcomed three English people who had been bombed out of two homes. All nineteen were killed."[13]
It is hardly surprising, then, that in 1994 this plaque was installed at the eastern end of the westbound tunnel:


In actual fact, however, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records sixteen people dying at the scene - only three of whom were Belgian - and a seventeenth dying in hospital. Another four people were killed in the houses demolished by the bomb. It is notable that these figures match those in Mount's initial report precisely.

Apart from the three Belgians, all the surnames of the victims suggests that they were of British extraction, with the exception of four members of a family with an Italian surname, although there is strong circumstantial evidence to suggest that they were all born in the UK, rather than being recent immigrants. Their home address, however, was some eight kilometres from the station, more than twice as far as all the other victims, with the exception of a Women's Voluntary Service member, who may very well have been at the station in that capacity. This suggests, then, that it was the Necchi family who were the recent arrivals in the area.[15]

[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 13/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 13/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 13/10/40 to 06:00 14/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] CWGC record
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 13/10/40 to 06:00 14/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 14/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 13/10/40 to 06:00 14/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[8] Casualty & Fatalty Analysis: Paddington (Praed Street) 13/10/40
[9] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 13-14/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[10] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1941-1942 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2766]
[11] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
[12] London Transport Carried On (Charles Graves, 1947, London Transport)
[13] Underground to Everywhere (Stephen Halliday, 2001, Sutton Publishing/London Transport Museum, ISBN 0-7509-2585-X)
[14] Piccadilly Line Extension - The Diamond Anniversary (Barry Carpenter, 1992, Piccadilly Line [East Area])
[15] Casualty & Fatalty Analysis: Bounds Green 13/10/40


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