29/30 December 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago
One hundred and fourteenth day of the London Blitz
At 17:33 on the 29th a barrage balloon cable fouled the District line track at the Cromwell Curve, between Earls Court, High Street Kensington, and Gloucester Road stations. Trains reversed at West Kensington, Parsons Green, and South Kensington.[1]
Blackfriars station was reported as being on fire at 18:30.[2]
Incendiary Bombs (IBs) hit the Bakerloo line London Road Depot (between Waterloo and Lambeth North) at 18:44, but no damage was caused.[3] At 22:15 trains in and out of the Deport were suspended due to a bomb in the vicinity; clear by midnight.[4]
District line services between St James Park and Mansion House stations were suspended at 18:45 due to the floodgates at Charing Cross (now Embankment) station being closed.[15] Services resumed at 11:21 on the 30th.[6]
St Paul’s and Bank stations were closed due to fires in the vicinity of each at 18:46 and 18:57 respectively, while Tottenham Court Road station was closed at 18:52 due to both fires and bombs nearby.[7]
The windows of Whitechapel sub-station were damaged by blast at 18:51.[8] At 19:30 glass in the station itself was broken.[9]
IBs on the East London line track at Rotherhithe at 19:00.[10]
At 19:15 South Kensington station roof was damaged by IBs.[11]
The Central line Wood Lane station, between Shepherd’s Bush Acton,[12] and the adjacent bridge over Wood Lane was set on fire by IBs 19:25.[13] [14] Central line services suspended between Ealing Broadway and Queen Road (now Queensway) stations.[15] Services between Ealing Broadway and Wood Lane, and between Queens Road and Liverpool Street, resumed at 07:44 on the 30th.[16]
Widened Lines services were suspended between Farringdon and Aldgate and east of Farringdon were suspended at 19:15 due to dangerous buildings adjacent to the track.[17] At 20:30 a staircase through the Widened Lines at Aldersgate (now Barbican) station) was on fire.[18]
The roof of Moorgate sub-station was badly damaged at 19:25, and the whole structure subsequently destroyed by fire.[19] Moorgate Street station evacuated at midnight due to adjacent dangerous buildings.[20]
At 20:30 Chancery lane station was closed due to bombs in the vicinity, but reopened at 21:00.Bank station ticket hall was damaged at 20:49.[21]
Also at 20:30 an IB on a Hammersmith & City line train cracked windows in it.[22]
Signalling was affected by bombs on the track between Whitechapel and Shoreditch at 21:00.[23]
A bomb through the District line tunnel between Westminster and Charing Cross stations damaged cables and the track, and blocked the latter with a girder and other debris, at 21:32.[24]
The Great Northern & City line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate was suspended at 21:40 due to the failure of traction and signalling current between Drayton Park and Moorgate.[25] Services resumed at 15:05 on the 30th.[26]
Old Street station closed at 21:55 due to fires in the vicinity.[27]
Aldgate East signal cabin on fire at 23:16.[28] Services suspended between Mansion House and Whitechapel.[29]
At 23:20 the lifts at London Bridge station were on fire, and in danger of falling down the shafts.[30]
At 08:00 on the 30th, the following working conditions were reported:
[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[8] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[9] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[10] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[11] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[12] This station was just to the south of the current White City station.
[13] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[14] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Summary 29-30/12/40, page 7 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
[15] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[16] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[17] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[18] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[19] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[20] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[21] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[22] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[23] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[24] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[25] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[26] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[27] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[28] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[29] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[30] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[31] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/12/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
[32] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/12/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
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At 17:33 on the 29th a barrage balloon cable fouled the District line track at the Cromwell Curve, between Earls Court, High Street Kensington, and Gloucester Road stations. Trains reversed at West Kensington, Parsons Green, and South Kensington.[1]
Blackfriars station was reported as being on fire at 18:30.[2]
Incendiary Bombs (IBs) hit the Bakerloo line London Road Depot (between Waterloo and Lambeth North) at 18:44, but no damage was caused.[3] At 22:15 trains in and out of the Deport were suspended due to a bomb in the vicinity; clear by midnight.[4]
District line services between St James Park and Mansion House stations were suspended at 18:45 due to the floodgates at Charing Cross (now Embankment) station being closed.[15] Services resumed at 11:21 on the 30th.[6]
St Paul’s and Bank stations were closed due to fires in the vicinity of each at 18:46 and 18:57 respectively, while Tottenham Court Road station was closed at 18:52 due to both fires and bombs nearby.[7]
The windows of Whitechapel sub-station were damaged by blast at 18:51.[8] At 19:30 glass in the station itself was broken.[9]
IBs on the East London line track at Rotherhithe at 19:00.[10]
At 19:15 South Kensington station roof was damaged by IBs.[11]
The Central line Wood Lane station, between Shepherd’s Bush Acton,[12] and the adjacent bridge over Wood Lane was set on fire by IBs 19:25.[13] [14] Central line services suspended between Ealing Broadway and Queen Road (now Queensway) stations.[15] Services between Ealing Broadway and Wood Lane, and between Queens Road and Liverpool Street, resumed at 07:44 on the 30th.[16]
Widened Lines services were suspended between Farringdon and Aldgate and east of Farringdon were suspended at 19:15 due to dangerous buildings adjacent to the track.[17] At 20:30 a staircase through the Widened Lines at Aldersgate (now Barbican) station) was on fire.[18]
The roof of Moorgate sub-station was badly damaged at 19:25, and the whole structure subsequently destroyed by fire.[19] Moorgate Street station evacuated at midnight due to adjacent dangerous buildings.[20]
At 20:30 Chancery lane station was closed due to bombs in the vicinity, but reopened at 21:00.Bank station ticket hall was damaged at 20:49.[21]
Also at 20:30 an IB on a Hammersmith & City line train cracked windows in it.[22]
Signalling was affected by bombs on the track between Whitechapel and Shoreditch at 21:00.[23]
A bomb through the District line tunnel between Westminster and Charing Cross stations damaged cables and the track, and blocked the latter with a girder and other debris, at 21:32.[24]
The Great Northern & City line between Finsbury Park and Moorgate was suspended at 21:40 due to the failure of traction and signalling current between Drayton Park and Moorgate.[25] Services resumed at 15:05 on the 30th.[26]
Old Street station closed at 21:55 due to fires in the vicinity.[27]
Aldgate East signal cabin on fire at 23:16.[28] Services suspended between Mansion House and Whitechapel.[29]
At 23:20 the lifts at London Bridge station were on fire, and in danger of falling down the shafts.[30]
At 08:00 on the 30th, the following working conditions were reported:
New damage and changes
District: Suspended St James Park to Aldgate East – tunnel damage (not serious) between Westminster and Charing Cross. Dangerous buoldings at Blackfriars and Mark Lane.
Metropolitan: Suspended Kings Cross to Aldgate East.
Great Northern & City: Spuspended – current failure.
Central: Suspended Queen Road to Ealing Broadway – damage at Wood Lane.[31]
Unexploded Bombs
Nil.[32]
[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[8] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[9] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[10] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[11] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[12] This station was just to the south of the current White City station.
[13] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[14] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Summary 29-30/12/40, page 7 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
[15] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[16] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[17] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[18] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[19] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[20] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[21] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[22] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[23] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[24] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[25] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[26] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[27] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[28] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[29] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[30] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 29/12/40 to 06:00 30/12/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
[31] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/12/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
[32] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/12/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
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Labels: Blitz 75, London Underground, The London Underground at War
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