8/9 December 1940: The London Underground on this day 75 years ago

Ninety-third day of the London Blitz.

At 19:30 on the 8th a bomb through the Metropolitan line tunnel near the canal bridge between Baker Street and the disused Lord’s^[1] stations cratered and scattered debris on the track, and damaged the positive rail. Three High Tension feeder cables between Neasden Power House and Baker Street sub-station were also knocked out.^[2][3] Services suspended between Wembley Park and Baker Street until commencement of traffic on the 9th, when services were resumed under a speed restriction.^[4]

A fire damaged the station canopy, the booking hall, and two retail units at Mark Lane station.^[5]

Northern line services between London Bridge and Clapham Common were suspended at 21:03 due to an unexploded bomb in Kennington Park Road.^[6] Suspension later restricted to Moorgate to Kennington.^[7] Services between Moorgate and London Bridge resumed at 13:52 on the 9th, and between London Bridge and Kennington at 16:28.^[8]

Between 22:30 and 23:20 District line services between St James’s Park and Mansion House were suspended due to bombs falling near the tunnel at Blackfriars.^[9]

Widened line services between King’s Cross and Farringdon Street were suspended at 02:10 on the 9th due to unsafe buildings adjacent to the track.^[10] Clear for LPTB traffic by 12:15 on the same day.^[11]

At 08:00 on the 9th, the following working conditions were reported:

New damage

Land mine near London Bridge dislocating Southern and Tube services; hope to clear it during day.

Changes

Services restricted

Northern Tube suspended between Moorgate and Kennington (LM London Bridge).
Waterloo & City line closed due to flooding from damaged mains.

Correction to last report
Piccadilly line suspended (not shuttle service) Wood Green to Arnos Grove; suspension made for traffic reasons.^[12]

Unexploded Bombs

Nil.^[13]

---

^[1] losed since 19/11/39 – see also 15/16 November 1940.
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Summary 08-09/12/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5] ^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 08/12/40 to 06:00 09/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 08/12/40 to 06:00 09/12/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 08/12/40 to 06:00 09/12/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 08/12/40 to 06:00 09/12/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Summary 09-10/12/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5] ^[8] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 09/12/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[9] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 08/12/40 to 06:00 09/12/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[10] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 08/12/40 to 06:00 09/12/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[11] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 09/12/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[12] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 09/12/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]
^[13] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 09/12/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/5]

Share