5/6 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago
Twenty-ninth day/night of the London Blitz.
On Saturday 5th October 1940, a northbound Bakerloo line train derailed at Piccadilly Circus station; services suspended Paddington to Elephant & Castle, and West Hampstead to Baker Street. Queens Park to Piccadilly Circus clear 12:30; services resumed 15:35.[1]
At 20:45, High Explosive bombs fell on the Central line's Wood Lane Depot, knocking out the circuit breaker and leaving all tracks dead. Delayed Action (DA) bombs between the sub-station and signal cabin caused the evacuation of staff; the sub-station was left running, but no traction current was available. A small bomb or falling anti-aircraft shell hit a train on No. 16 Road, damaging and derailing cars, and damaging the track.[2] Westbound services were reversed at Queens Road (now Queensway) station from 22:10.[3]
At 08:00 on the 6th, the following working conditions were reported:
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 05/10/40 to 06:00 06/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 05/10/40 to 06:00 06/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 06/10/40, 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 06/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
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On Saturday 5th October 1940, a northbound Bakerloo line train derailed at Piccadilly Circus station; services suspended Paddington to Elephant & Castle, and West Hampstead to Baker Street. Queens Park to Piccadilly Circus clear 12:30; services resumed 15:35.[1]
At 20:45, High Explosive bombs fell on the Central line's Wood Lane Depot, knocking out the circuit breaker and leaving all tracks dead. Delayed Action (DA) bombs between the sub-station and signal cabin caused the evacuation of staff; the sub-station was left running, but no traction current was available. A small bomb or falling anti-aircraft shell hit a train on No. 16 Road, damaging and derailing cars, and damaging the track.[2] Westbound services were reversed at Queens Road (now Queensway) station from 22:10.[3]
At 08:00 on the 6th, the following working conditions were reported:
Northern line[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 05/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
Restricted service Camden Town to Golders Green - tunnel damage 28/09, repairs to be finished 10/10.
Central line
Services from Liverpool Street terminating at Queens Road - damage at Wood Lane 05/10.
District line
No services Earl's Court to High Street Kensington - damage 05/10.
Metropolitan line
No services Farringdon Street to Moorgate - damaged buildings, repairs to be complete 12/10 or sooner.
East London line
Closed since 07/09 - hope to re-open shortly.[4]
Unexploded bombs
1. Surrey Docks 24/09 - prevents repairs to previous damage.
2. Neasden Depot 30/09 - no interference.[5]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 05/10/40 to 06:00 06/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 05/10/40 to 06:00 06/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 06/10/40, 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 06/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
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Labels: Blitz 75, London Underground, The London Underground at War
posted by Nick Cooper at
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