Nick Cooper's Random Blog

What's wrong with this picture...?

2011-11-03T13:41:00.005Z

When you're waiting on Underground station platforms, you're kind of forced to look at the posters, but most are forgotten by the time the train actually arrives. When I spotted this one yesterday, though, I had a nagging thought that there was something not quite right about it.

I mean, it seems a fairly ordinary aerial view of London, representing something that the organisers of the 2012 Festival think is appropriate to their event. The capital, obviously, embodied by familiar architecture such as Tower Bridge in the foreground, London Bridge beyond, City Hall, the new Shard...

But there was something missing, I was sure of it... something that should be clearly visible, but isn't...

Take a closer look:

Unfortunately, I haven't got a genuine picture from the same view, or even from Tower Bridge, but this one is taken sort of from the reverse angle:

Now, I might be wrong, but I'm pretty certain HMS Belfast hasn't been moved lately, and certainly not while the Shard's been under construction. So obviously one of the biggest tourist attractions in London doesn't meet with the approval of the organisers of the 2012 Festival, not even the fact of the ship's involvement in a little kerfuffle 70-odd years ago, the result of which means we actually have the freedom to enjoy things like the 2012 Festival.

It's even more surprising that the press doesn't seem to have noticed this piece of outrageous Photoshop revisionism.

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Not forgotten

2011-07-07T08:50:00.000+01:00

[Bowes Park railway station, close to Bounds Green
Piccadilly line station, morning of 8 July 2005]

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Prince Philip 90 today

2011-06-08T12:54:00.008+01:00

On Prince Philip's 90th birthday, we seem to be affectionately celebrating his famous verbal gaffes, so looking back to a report in The Daily Express of 2 April 1957, let's remind ourselves they're by no means a new trait! The day before he had attended the London premiere of Yangtse Incident - The Story of HMS Amethyst - a fitting patron, given his sterling service with the Royal Navy during the Second World War on the destroyers HMS Wallace (during the Invasion of Sicily), and HMS Whelp in the Pacific....

Last Night was blue moon night for Prince Philip.
He was walking along a line of six petty officer survivors of H.M.S. Amethyst, at the premiere of the film Yangtse Incident in the foyer of the Plaza Theatre.
Commander Kerans of the Amethyst was making the introductions. Prince Philip said a word here, and a word there.
Then he stopped squarely in front of the third man, Chief Petty Officer Leonard Williams, who was senior engine room artificer in the Amethyst.
"And what ship are you serving now?" asked Prince Philip.
C.P.O. Williams looked surprised. He gulped slightly. "In the royal yacht, Sir. I've been in her three and a half years, Sir."
Prince Philip looked shocked. Then confused. His face turned pink. He mumbled an apology, and went on down the line.
A couple of seconds later he was back again in front of C.P.O. Williams, blushing hard.
"I'm really very sorry; what a blunder I've made... the biggest blunder ever," said Prince Philip.
C.P.O. Williams, 37, stocky, and reliable, rose magnificently to the occasion when the Amethyst wanted everything she had from the engine room of the Amethyst, was up to this one too.
He just smiled quietly and said: "That's all right, Sir - one can't remember everybody."

14/15 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-14T08:00:00.001Z

Sixty-ninth day of the London Blitz.

At 14:15 on Thursday 14 November 1940, District line services suspended between St James's Park and Charing Cross [now Embankment] until 15:50 due to Engineer's possession of line.^[1]

At 18:14 a High Explosive bomb penetrated the Circle line tunnel between High Street Kensington and Gloucester Road, damaging the track and signalling cables.^[2]^[3] Services suspended between Baker Street and South Kensington, West Kensington and South Kensington, and between Parson's Green and Earl's Court. Resumed Baker Street to Edgware Road at 18:48; Earl's Court to Parson's Green, and Earl's Court to West Kensington at 20:00; and District line to South Kensington at 20:48.^[4]

Northbound Northern line services reversed at Euston between 21:13 and 22:03 due to a defective train.^[4]

At 08:00 on the 15th, the following working conditions were reported:

Metropolitan line
Tunnel damage between Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington - service suspended between those stations.^[7]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Morden Depot 10/11 between No. 13 and 14 roads. No interference with working.

Category C

Nil.^[8]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 14/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 14/11/40 to 06:00 15/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Damage Appreciation 14-15/11/40, page 8 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 15/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 15/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 15/11/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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13/14 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-13T08:00:00.001Z

Sixty-eighth day of the London Blitz.

At 08:03 on Thursday 13 November 1940, westbound District line services were reversed at Mansion House due to cable trouble at Charing Cross (now Embankment). Services extended to reversing at Charing Cross at 12:02, and at St James's Park at 15:51.^[1]

At 08:00 on the 11th, the following working conditions were reported:

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Morden Depot 10/11, between No. 13 and 14 roads. No interference with working.

Category C

Nil.^[2]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 13/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 14/11/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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12/13 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-12T08:00:00.005Z

Sixty-seventh day of the London Blitz.

At 19:15 on Wednesday 12 November 1940, a bomb outside Belsize Park Northern line station shattered glass in the ticket hall.^[1]

A 250kg bomb just south of Swiss Cottage Bakerloo line station cracked three tunnel segments at 20:05.^[1]^[3] Services reversed at West Hampstead until through running resumed under a 5 mph speed restriction at 21:50.^[2]

Piccadilly line Up and Down tracks damaged by a bomb between Acton Town and South Ealing at 20:45.^[1]

At 21:50 a large calibre bomb scored a direct hit on Sloane Square station, causing extensive damage to the ticket hall and platforms. High-tension, signal, and lighting cables were also damaged. Two gas mains were severed and set on fire. Initial reports described the rear car of a train standing at the platform as being, "cut in two," that forty people had been killed, and twenty injured enough to require treatment on-site.^[1]^[4] Northern line current off London Bridge to Clapham Common; restored London Bridge to Kennington at 22:20, and to Clapham Common at 20:48. District line services suspended between Earl's Court and Bow Road; resumed Mansion House to Bow Road at 00:09 on the 13th, and between St James Park and Mansion House at 10:05.^[2] The following day the casualty figures were revised to 28 kill, and 40 to 50 injured.^[5]

At 22:35 three High Explosive bombs hit Wood Lane Hammersmith & City line station (situated just south of the new station of that name), partly demolishing one viaduct arch, and a platform. Gas mains were also broken.^[1]^[4]

At 00:15 on the 13th, windows at New Cross station were broken by a bomb explosion.^[6]

At 08:00 on the 11th, the following working conditions were reported:

Serious damage Sloane Square station 21:15 12/11. Lines completely blocked. Train partially caught under debris. Over 40 fatalities.

Some damage to tube tunnel on Bakerloo south of Swiss Cottage station. Segments cracked - trains passing under speed restriction.

Damage at Wood Lane (Hammersmith and City). Line already closed by UXB at Latimer Road.

District line - services suspended between South Kensington and St James's Park.^[7]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Morden Depot 10/11 between No. 13 and 14 roads. No interference with working.

Category C

Nil.^[8]

Sloane Square Station

At 10:00 on the 13th, Lt-Col. AHL Mount, the Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways at the Ministry of Transport, visited the bomb site, along with the LPTB's Engineer-in-Chief, VAM Robertson, and other Board staff, and later reported:

"At 9.45 pm on 12/11, an H.E. bomb (250 kilo?) hit the booking hall and exploded on contact with the main girder supporting it and nearest to the tunnel. Three or four of the adjacent main girders were also damaged and a portion of the tunnel arch (5 rings) was blown away. The whole of the booking hall, a single storey building but of sufficient strength to carry a 10-storey building proposed for future erection, was demolished, the side walls of the station being blown outwards. The escalators on each side were wrecked, as also much of the station roof.

These works have only recently been completed at a cost of about £70,000 (verified later £72,000)."

He noted that the bomb exploded some 100 feet (30 metres) from an 8 foot (2.4 metres) main sewer, which could have potentially released five million cubic feet (1.4 billion litres) of water into the tunnel. This had not happened, but gas mains had been severed and set on fire, making rescue work so difficult that it had to be done via the tunnel to South Kensington, rather than directly through the station.

"The debris enveloped an outgoing 6-car west-bound train, completely wrecking it and killing passengers therein. A number of other passengers were also killed in the booking hall and possibly on both platforms, making a provisional total of 22. In addition, 9 of the Traffic Operating Staff and 9 of the Board's Bus Staff were apparently killed in the adjacent mess room, making a total of approximately 40 deaths; in addition, 14 persons are also reported as injured."

It was estimated that it would take some six days to clear the line to traffic, and the contractors - Mowlems - had already started the work, although they had requested additional manpower from the 691st Company, Pioneer Corps, as they were already overstretched clearing previous damage at Farringdon station.

On 28 November Mount reported that a 10-ton crane with a 100 foot reach had been brought in to remove the roof girders, escalators, and other debris. Although sagging, the cross girders were judge strong enough to support a temporary ticket hall, and staircases were to be provided from pavement level. It was anticipated that the station could re-open in a few more days, although some roof covering had yet to be provided. Mount detailed the work done thus far:

"The clearance of the track was effected by 25/11, namely in 12 working days, 7.30 am till 5.30 pm, 120 working hours, with a force of labour varying from a minimum of 60 to a maximum of 140 - equivalent to some 11,000 man hours."

It was later determined that rather than being a 250 kg device, it had actually been a 1,400 kg semi-armour piercing bomb - the same type that caused so much destruction at Balham a month previously.^[9]

The final death toll was 37 - details here.

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 12/11/40 to 06:00 13/11/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 12/11/40 to 06:00 13/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 25B [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Damage Appreciation 12-13/11/40, page 6 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 13/11/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 12/11/40 to 06:00 13/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 13/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 13/11/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[9] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]

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11/12 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-11T08:00:00.002Z

Sixty-sixth day of the London Blitz.

At 19:03 on Tuesday 11 November 1940,

Services suspended between Putney Bridge and Southfield from 15:15 to 15:58 due to the explosion of a Delayed Action bomb.^[1]

District line services suspended from 16:40 to 17:02 between Mark Lane and the Minories Junction due to a barrage balloon cable across the track.^[1]

At 08:00 on the 11th, the following working conditions were reported:

District line
Whitechapel to Bromley now resumed.^[2]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Dollis Hill 11/1, in rear of No. 3 Coopers ROad, 60 feet [27 metres] from the track - services not suspended.

Category C

Nil.^[3]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 11/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 12/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 12/11/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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10/11 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-10T08:00:00.003Z

Sixty-fifth day of the London Blitz.

At 19:03 on Monday 10 November 1940, the Metropolitan line tracks between Dollis Hill and Neasden were damaged by a High Explosive (HE) bomb.^[1] Services reversed at Willesden Green and Wembley Park.^[2] Normal working resumed at 13:15 on the 11th.^[3]

An HE explosion damaged track, train windows, and the roof of Bow Road District line station at 19:23.^[1]^[4] Services reversed at Whitechapel and Bromley.^[2]

At 20:16 a bomb damaged track between Hounslow Central and Hounslow West stations.^[1] Trains reversed at Hounslow Central.^[2] Normal working resumed at 18:50 on the 11th.^[5]

District line services suspended between Earls Court and Putney Bridge due to a suspected Unexploded Bomb from 21:08 to 21:25.^[2]

At 02:00 on the 11th, two Unexploded Bombs were reported outside Highgate Northern line station.^[6]

At 08:00 on the 11th, the following working conditions were reported:

Bakerloo line
Trafalgar Square station open Monday to Friday.

District line
Suspended Whitechapel to Bromley.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Ladbroke Grive to Hammersmith and Addison Road.

Northern line
Normal to Barnet.
Shuttle service Euston to Strand [now Charing Cross].^[7]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.

Category C

Nil.^[8]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 10/11/40 to 06:00 11/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 10/11/40 to 06:00 11/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 11/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 11/11/40 to 06:00 12/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/11/40, page 6 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/11/40, page 7 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 11/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 11/11/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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9/10 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-09T08:00:00.002Z

Sixty-fourth day of the London Blitz.

At 14:11 on Sunday 9 November 1940, a High Explosive bomb landed between No. 1 and No. 2 sidings at Golders Green station, damaging the north and southbound road, and the high-tension feeder from Golders Green to Camden Town sub-station. Glass was broken in the Depot offices, roof of shops, and the canteen. Six train cars were slightly damaged. Services north of Hampstead suspended.^[1]^[2]^[3] Services resumed between Golders Green and Edgware at 15:15, northbound trains reversed at Hampstead from 15:48, and through-working resumed at 17:15.^[4]

Piccadilly line services were suspended between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters from 19:35 until 20:05 due to a suspected Unexploded Bomb (UXB).^[5]

Normal working between Southfields and Wimbledon - suspended since 30 October - was resumed at 21:58.^[5]

At 06:00 on the 10th services through South Harrow were suspended until 06:30 due to a suspected UXB.^[5]

At 08:00 on the 10th, the following working conditions were reported:

District line
Services resumed Southfields to Wimbledon.

Northern line
Services resumed Hampstead to Edgware.^[6]

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Watford North Curve, 70 yards [64 metres] 08/11 - affects goods service between Rickmansworth and Watford.^[7]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Damage Appreciation 05-06/11/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 29/11/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 09/11/40 to 06:00 10/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 09/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 09/11/40 to 06:00 10/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 10/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 10/11/40, pages 2-3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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8/9 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000Z

Sixty-third day of the London Blitz.

At 16:00 on Saturday 8 November 1940, Angel station re-opened, having been closed since 15 October.^[1]

Glass in the booking hall of Clapham South Northern line station was broken by bomb blast at 19:30.^[2]

At 01:21 on the 9th, a bomb exploded between Woodside Park and Totteridge & Whetstone station on the Northern line. A train was hit by clay, and the track displaced.^[3] Services suspended between Finchley Central and High Barnet until 07:35.^[D]

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

Unexploded Bombs

Category A

Nil.

Category B

1. Latimer Road 21/10.
2. Southfields 30/10 - prevents service between Southfields and Wimbledon.^[5]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 08/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 08/11/40 to 06:00 09/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 08/11/40 to 06:00 09/11/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[D] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 07/11/40 to 06:00 08/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 09/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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7/8 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-07T08:00:00.001Z

Sixty-second day of the London Blitz.

At 19:18 on Friday 7 November 1940, bombs in the vicinity of Latimer Road station brought down the ceiling in the ticket hall.^[1]

A Unexploded Bomb 50 feet (15 metres) from the track near High Barnet station suspended Northern line services at 19:35.^[2]

A bomb hit the joint District/Southern Railways track between Gunnersbury and Kew Gardens at 21:23.^[3] Services suspended between Turnham Green and Richmond.^[2]

At 21:32 the retaining wall adjacent to the eastbound track between Ravenscourt Park and Hammersmith was damaged, and the windows of a Piccadilly line train were broken by blast.^[3]

At 00:18 on the 8th a bomb hit the track 100 yards (91 metres) east of Ravensvourt Park, damaging four high-tensions feeders, affecting traction, signal, and lighting current, and the power surge shut down Mansion House sub-station.^[3] Services suspended on the Northern City line (until 00:30), the Central line (until 00:48), and between Hammersmith and Acton Town on the Piccadilly/District line (until commencement of traffic on the morning of the 8th).^[2]

At 08:00 on the 8th, the following working conditions were reported:

District line
Suspended Turnham Green to Richmond - damage between Gunnerbury and Kew.

Northern line
Suspended Finchley Central to High Barnet - UXB between West FInchley and Finchley Central.^[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.^[5]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 07/11/40 to 06:00 08/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 07/11/40 to 06:00 08/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 07/11/40 to 06:00 08/11/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1106]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 06/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 06/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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6/7 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-06T19:25:00.002Z

Sixty-first day of the London Blitz.

At 19:00 on Thursday 6 November 1940, serviced were suspended between Ladbroke Grove and Edgware Road due to bombs in the vicinity of Royal Oak station.^[1]

A bomb on the Up fast track between Dolis Hill and Willesden Green stations at 19:57 put the positive rail out of alignment on the Down fast track. Fast services diverted onto Local tracks.^[1]^[2]

At 22:44 cables were damaged at Colindale Northern line station, cutting off the current between Camden Town and Edgware, and Camden Town and Highgate, suspending services.^[1]^[2]

A bomb on the Up fast track at Dollis Hill at 01:11 on the 7th blocked the line, and damaged high-tension and signal cables.^[2]

At 05:40 debris falling from adjacent buildings blocked the track at Aldersgate (now Barbican) station.^[1]^[2]

At 08:00 on the 7th, the following working conditions were reported:

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.^[3]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 06/11/40 to 06:00 07/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 06/11/40 to 06:00 07/11/40, 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 06/11/40, pages 2-3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]

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5/6 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-05T08:00:00.001Z

Sixtieth day of the London Blitz.

At 02:45 on Wednesday 6 November 1940, a High Explosive (HE) bomb caused a retaining wall at the south end of Queen's Park station to fall across the joint LMS/Bakerloo line tracks, blocking the line, and damaging the conductor rail. Bakerloo line trains terminating at Willesden and Queen's Park.^[1]

At 01:35 the machine and motor shops at Acton Works were damaged^[1]

HEs caused considerable damage to the Railway Carriage Shed at Ealing Common Depot between 03:53 and 04:30.^[2]

The roof of Shepherd's Bush sub-station was damaged at 04:47, while at 05:00 there was a fire under the arches at Shepherd's Bush Hammersmith & City line station.^[1]

At 05:10 windows were blown out at Wood Lane Central line depot.^[1]

HEs blocked the Dollis Hill Lane and Dudden Hill Lane Junction at Neasden station at 05:55.^[2]

At 08:00 on the 6th, the following working conditions were reported:

No damage.
Northern line - Camden Town now open and normal.
Central line - Lancaster Gate now open and normal.
East London Line - Wapping station now open and normal.^[3]

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.^[4]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 05/11/40 to 06:00 06/11/40, 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 05-06/11/40, page 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 06/11/40, 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 06/11/40, pages 2-3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]

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

2010-11-04T08:00:00.003Z

Fifty-ninth day of the London Blitz.

At 19:04 on Monday 4 November 1940, a 50kg bomb exploded on the pavement outside Lancaster Gate Central line station. The running tunnels, 45 feet (14 metres) below the surface, were shaken and filled with dust, but not damaged, and traffic was not interrupted.^[1]^[2]^[3]

A bomb exploded near No. 6 Road at Neasden Depot at 23:12, damaging concrete between Nos. 6, 7 & 8 roads.^[4]

At 04:35 on the 5th, High Explosive bombs fell over the Northern line tunnels between Clapham Common and Clapham North stations. All traffic stopped.^[5]

At 08:00 on the 5th, the following working conditions were reported:

No change in situation. Probable re-opening dates as under:
Trafalgar Square 07/11
Kings Cross to Farringdon 01/01/41
Euston to Camden Town 14/01/41
Clapham Common to Tooting Broadway 14/01/41
Wood Green to Arnos Grove 01/12/40
Finsbury Park to Kings Cross 22/11/40.

Northern line
19:10 01/11. Bomb damage between Euston and Warren Street. Suspended Euston to Warren Street, and now single line working on both tracks between Strand and Warren Street.^[6]

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.^[7]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 14B [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[2] 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]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Notes on damage to railway tunnels by high explosive weapons, Section 1 - Tube railways. Author Dr. EWJ Phillips, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 196/11]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 04/11/40 to 06:00 05/11/40, 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: Damage Appreciation 04-05/11/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 02/11/40, page 1 [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 02/11/40, pages 2-3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]

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3/4 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-03T08:00:00.002Z

Fifty-seventh day of the London Blitz.

At 08:00 on Monday 4 November, the following working conditions were reported:

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.^[1]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 03/11/40, pages 2-4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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2/3 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-02T08:00:00.007Z

Fifty-seventh day of the London Blitz.

At 20:50 on Saturday 2 November 1940, a High Explosive bomb fell on the railway embankment near Rayners Lane Piccadilly/Metropolitan line station, undermining a siding, but not affecting the main track.^[1]

At 08:00 on the 3rd, the following working conditions were reported:

District line
Dagenham to Barking now open.

Northern line
Single line working on both tracks between Strand and Warren Street.^[2]

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.^[3]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 02-03/11/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 03/11/40, page 1 [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 03/11/40, pages 2-3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]

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1/2 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-11-01T08:00:00.004Z

Fifty-sixth day of the London Blitz.

At 19:10 on Friday 1 November 1940, either a 250 or a 500 kg bomb landed at the junction of Drummond Street and Coburn Street, 60 feet (18 metres) above the Northern line Charing Cross branch running tunnels, and approximately 300 feet (91 metres) from the south headwall of Euston Station. Nineteen segments of the northbound tunnel were damaged, with some clay spilling onto the track, whilst three segments of the southbound tunnel were also damaged. Services were suspended between Warren Street and Euston, with single line working on both roads between Strand and Warren Street. Contractors commenced repairs on the northbound tunnel on the night of 2 November, which were completed four days later, and traffic recommenced. Repairs to the southbound tunnel were deferred to a later date.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]

Hyde Park Corner station closed between 19:20 and 19:45 due to bombs in the vicinity.^[2]

Bombs on the track between Becontree and Upney stations suspended District line services from 19:58 until 17:12 on the 2nd.^[1]^[2]

The front of Green Park station was damaged at 22:00.^[1] Station closed until commencement of service the next morning.^[2]

Shoreditch sub-station was damaged by a falling Anti-Aircraft shell at 00:30 on the 2nd.^[1]

At 08:00 on the 2nd, the following working conditions were reported:

District line
01/11. Bomb damage between Becontree and Upney. Service suspended Dagenham to Barking.

Northern line
19:10 01/11. Bomb damage between Euston and Warren Street. Suspended Euston to Warren STreet, and now single line working on both tracks between Strand and Warren Street.^[7]

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.^[8]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 01/11/40 to 06:00 02/11/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 01/11/40 to 06:00 02/11/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
^[4] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1941-1942 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2766]
^[5] 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]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Notes on damage to railway tunnels by high explosive weapons, Section 1 - Tube railways. Author Dr. EWJ Phillips, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 196/11]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 02/11/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 02/11/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]

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31 October/1 November 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-31T08:00:00.005Z

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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30/31 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-30T08:00:00.002+01:00

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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29/30 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-29T08:00:00.001+01:00

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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28/29 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-28T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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27/28 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-27T08:00:00.004+01:00

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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26/27 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-26T08:00:00.001+01:00

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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25/26 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-25T08:00:00.005+01:00

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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24/25 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-24T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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23/24 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-23T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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22/23 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-22T08:00:00.005+01:00

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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21/22 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-21T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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20/21 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-20T08:00:00.002+01:00

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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19/20 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-19T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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18/19 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-18T08:00:00.004+01:00

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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17/18 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-17T08:00:00.006+01:00

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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16/17 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-16T08:00:00.008+01:00

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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15/16 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-15T08:00:00.003+01:00

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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14/15 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-14T08:00:00.016+01:00

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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13/14 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-13T08:00:00.004+01:00

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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12/13 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-12T08:00:00.006+01:00

Thirty-sixth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 19:30 on Saturday 12 October 1940,a bomb penetrated the Bakerloo line tunnel at Kensal Green. Southbound services reversed at Queen's Park.^[1]

The roof of the trainmen's mess at Neasden Depot was slightly damaged by a shrapnel at 19:55.^[2]

Also at 19:55, Stockwell station was closed due to a Delayed Action bomb 30 yards (27 metres) from the station, which reopened at 07:00 the following day.^[2]^[1]

Hyde Park Corner station was closed at 20:30 due to heavy firing by Anti-Aircraft guns situated in the Park itself.^[1]

At 20:52, a bomb hit the road directly over the Bakerloo line's Trafalgar Square station (later combined with the separate Norther line Strand station to form the current Charing Cross), breaking segments of two tunnel rings at the foot of the escalator shaft.^[2] The station was closed and a 10 mph speed restriction imposed when traffic recommenced on the 13th.^[1] See boxed section below for further details.

Hammersmith & City line services were suspended between Hammersmith and Ladbroke Grove due to a Delayed Action (DA) bomb near the Shepherd's Bush sub-station from 21:15 5o 23:28.^[1] Further along the line, a suspected DA in the subway at Royal Oak Piccadilly line station at 22:17 suspended services between Paddington and Ladbroke Grove until 22:27.^[3]

During the night a DA exploded between Fraringdon Street and Aldersgate & Barbican stations, damaging the track.^[4]

Northern City line trains were reversed at Drayton Park from 22:11 to 23:44 due to a suspected DA over the tunnel between Drayton Park and Finsbury Park.^[3]

Trafalgar Square Station

At 10:00 on the 13th, Lieutenant-Colonel AHL Mount of the Ministry of Transport (see reports of 27/28 Sep & 30 Sep/1 Oct) made an inspection of the site, and subsequently reported:

"At about 9.0 pm on 12/10, a bomb (presumably 250 kilo) fell on the roadway, making a shallow crater some 40 ft. [12 metres] in diameter, which fractured water-mains and damaged some 14 or 15 rings of the 27 ft. [8.23 metres] lower escalator chamber, the top of which is 42 ft. [13 metres] below the surface. The soffit segments of 3 rings fell in, leaving a void above in the loose clay of the bomb crater. The dividing wall between the passages leading out of the escalator chamber was severely shattered and the outer wall damaged, leaving the roof joist dangerously supported. The lower headwall at the junction of the inclined tunnel and the lower chamber was also severely damaged.

Small water-mains on the surface were fractured, but supply had been cut off. Water, however, was coming in at the top of the escalator.

I was informed that of the people sheltering at the bottom of the escalator, 10 were killed, 10 seriously injured, and 10 less seriously injured.

The running tunnels were not apparently affected, but a speed restriction was imposed, pending further examination."^[5]

Contractors had already begun work, and by the time of Mount's visit scaffolding had been erected, and necessary equipment put into place. Unfortunately, no segments of the size that needed replacement were available, so they would have to be newly case, which would take some two to three weeks, although it was thought that timbering could be used in the meantime, if the station were to remain open for passengers.

On the same day as Mount's visit, the LPTB's Chief Engineer submitted a more detailed report on the damage:

"There are 30 rings of the disused 10-ft [3 metres] diameter passageway badly damaged alongside the lower escalator chamber and several top segments are fallen in.

The lower escalator chamber and passage are unsafe until properly supported. In the running tunnels below on the NB side the damage is confined to several single cable brackets broken and some breaks in the track concrete haunchings.

On the SB side the joints of the running tunnel have started in a number of places and the top flange of one of the segments is cracked below a chute opening in the floor of the above mentioned 10-ft disused passage.

Some loose concrete in the chute has been removed and some small amount of water is leaking from the soffite of the tunnel.

These running tunnels are considered safe for traffic meantime with a speed restriction which will be imposed."^[5]

In the event, full services through the services resumed after 29 days, on 11 November.^[6]

Although the initial death toll was put at ten, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records only six fatalities in the station, with a seventh dying in hospital the same day.^[7]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 12/10/40 to 06:00 13/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 12/10/40 to 06:00 13/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 12/10/40 to 06:00 13/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 13-14/09/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[5] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
^[6] 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]
^[7] Casualty & Fatalty Analysis: Trafalgar Square 12/10/40

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11/12 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-11T08:00:00.005+01:00

Thirty-fifth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 11:35 on Friday 11 October 1940, an Unexploded Bomb (UXB) was reported 30 yards (27 metres) from the Metropolitan/Bakerloo line tracks at Wembley. Bakerloo line services suspended between Stanmore and Wembley Park, and Metropolitan line services between Wembley Park and Harrow._[1]

On the District line, a UXB was reported at East Putney at 16:45._[2]

At 18:25 there was a points run through at West Kensington. Services suspended between Earls Court and West Kensington, with westbound services to Parson's Green continuing to run.^[3] Services between Earls Court and West Kensington resumed at 14:00 on the 12th._[4]

Services between Northfields and Hounslow suspended from 19:55 to 20:37 due to a suspected DA at Boston Manor.^[3]

Services between Enfield West (now Oakwood) and Arnos Grove suspended at 20:50 due to a suspected DA on the track at the east end of Southgate station.^[3] ServiceS resumed at 07:40 on the 12th.^[4]

At 21:20 a High Explosive (HE) bomb exploded near the Piccadilly line tracks between Park Royal and Alperton stations; traffic suspended._[2] At 22:15 it was reported that the eastbound negative current rail was displaced. Westbound services were reversed at South Harrow,^[3] and resumed at 10:40 on the 12th.^[4]

An HE hit the east end of Blackfriars station at 22:59, bringing down a retaining wall, blocking both tracks, and bursting a water main.^[5]

A bomb in the vicinity of the Wood Lane sub-station knocked out the high tension feeders from Chelsea Power Station at 01:25 on the 12th.^[5] Services suspended Wood Lane to Marble Arch.^[3] Services resumed at 21:00.^[6]

At 04:15 an HE at Farringdon carriage sidings damaged track, as well as two wagons of a ballast train.^[7]

At 08:00 on the 12th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Suspended Strand (now Charing Cross) to Kennington - UXB in Thames river, until 14/10.

Central line
Single line working Wood Lane to Ealing - damage between Wood Land and Acton.
Suspended Wood Lane to Marble Arch - cable damage 11/10.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Acton Town to Hammersmith - UXB Ravenscourt Park.
Green Park station closed, trains passing - UXB.

District line
Suspended West Kensington to Stamford Brook - UXB Ravenscourt Park.
Single line working Stamford Brook to Acton Town.
Shuttle service between Richmond and Gunnersby.
Suspended Charing Cross (now Embankment) to Mansion House - damage Blackfriars 11/10.

Bakerloo line
Suspended between Stanmore and Wembley Park - damage at Forty Lane bridge.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farrington to Moorgate.
Single line working between Wembley Park and Harrow.

East London line
Freight traffic only.^[8]

Unexploded bombs
1. Ravenscourt Park 08/10 - disrupting services between Acton Town and Hammersmith.
2. Green Park station, 50 yards (46 metres) from station 10/10 - station closed.
3. Between Strand (Northern line, now Charing Cross) and Kennington - services suspended.
4. Canons Park 09/10 - services suspened between Stanmore and Wembley Park.
5. Cockfosters 11/10 - services suspened between Enfield West and Cockfosters.^[9]

_[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 11-12/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
_[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 11-12/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 11/10/40 to 06:00 12/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 12/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 11/10/40 to 06:00 12/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 12/10/40 to 06:00 13/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 12/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 12/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[9] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 12/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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10/11 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-10T08:00:00.007+01:00

Thirty-fourth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Thursday 10 October 1940, the Bakerloo line was blocked by debris from demolished buildings near Kilburn & Brondesbury (now Kilburn) station.^[1]

An Unexploded Bomb (UXB) was reported at 10:35, 50 yards (46 metres) north of Canons Park station, 10 yards (9 metres) from the Metropolitan line tracks.^[2] Services suspended between Wembley Park and Stanmore, with single line working from Wembley Park to Canons Park from 13:40.^[3] Disruption continued until the 12th, when a shuttle service between Canons Park and Wembley Park was introduced.^[4]

Piccadilly line services between Gloucester Road and West Brompton resumed at 14:10.^[3]

Trains were reversed at Putney Bridge at 20:30 due to Incendiary Bombs on the track at Southfields. Services resumed at 20:55.^[5]

A UXB was reported near Cockfosters station at 20:36. Eastbound trains reversed at Enfield West (now Oakwood) station.^[6]

At 20:40, services between Wembley Park and Stanmore were suspended again, this time because of a derailed and damaged Metropolitan line train near Forty Lane bridge. Southbound services reversed at Wembley Park, northbound at Harrow.^[2]^[5] Single line working between Wembley Park and Stanmore from 10:22 on the 12th, and double track working from 16:32, but two tracks still out of use.^[7]

At 20:58, a High Explosive (HE) bomb closed Bow Road District line station.^[1]

Current off between Golders Green and Edgware at 21:256 - suspected damaged cables - and restored at 21:54.^[5]

At 21:55 a HE cratered both Central line tracks north of Bentworth Street, between Wood Lane and Acton Town. Services suspended Wood Lane to Ealing Broadway,^[2]^[5] and resumed with single line working at 13:20 on the 11th.^[7]

Current off between Stonebridge Park and Queens Park at 22:09; services reversing at Queens Park until restored at 22:25.^[5]

Debris on the track at Walham Green suspended services between Earls Court and Parsons Green from 23:00 to 23:27.^[8]

Suspected Delayed Action (DA) bomb near track at Putney Bridge at 23:14. Services reversed at East Putney and Parsons Green until cleared at 00:02.^[8]

A DA closed Green Park Piccadilly line station at 23:35, pending police advice.^[8] The station did not reopen until 17:17 on the 12th.^[4]

Services suspended between South Acton and Acton Town from 06:15 to 07:25 on the 11th due to a reported DA.^[7]

Services between Enfield West and Cockfosters suspended at 07:15 due to a DA at the west end of platform 4 at Cockfosters.^[7]

At 08:00, the following working conditions were reported:

Bakerloo line
Suspended between Stanmore and Wembley Park - bomb damage at Forty Lane, Wembley.

Central line
Suspended between Wood Lane and Ealing - bomb damage at Wood Lane and East Acton.

District line
Suspended West Kensington to Stamford Brook - UXB at Ravenscourt Park.
Suspended Acton Town to South Acton.
Single line working Stamford Brook to Acton Town.
Shuttle service Richmond to Gunnersbury.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon to Moorgate.
Suspended Stanmore to Wembley Park, and Wembley Park to Harrow - damage near Forty Lane bridge.

Northern line
Suspended Strand (now Charing Cross) to Kennington - UXB in Thames river bed 08/10, until 13/10.

Piccadilly line
Suspended Acton Town to Hammersmith - UXB at Ravenscourt Park.
Suspended Enfield West to Cockfosters - crater in No. 8 sidings at Cockfosters 10/10.

Northern City line
Suspended Drayton Park to Finsbury Park - UXB above tunnel north of Drayton Park.

East London line
Still closed to passenger traffic; freight traffic only.^[9]

Unexploded bombs
1. Ravenscourt Park 08/10 - disrupting services between Acton Town and Hammersmith.
2. Neasden Depot 30/09 - running lines affected.^[10]

_[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/10/40, page 6 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
_[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 10/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 12/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 10/10/40 to 06:00 11/10/40, sheet 1 [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 11-12/10/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 11/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[8] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 10/10/40 to 06:00 11/10/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[9] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 11/10/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[10] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 11/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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9/10 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-09T08:00:00.005+01:00

Thirty-third day/night of the London Blitz.

At 09:00 on Wednesday 9 October 1940, a 500 kg Unexploded Bomb (UXB) was reported on a disused viaduct east of Ravenscourt Park on the joint District/Piccadilly line tracks; Piccadilly line services suspended Hammersmith to Acton Town, and District line services between Earls Court and Acton. District line services between Earls Court and West Kensington were suspended at 10:15, and at 13:15 Stamford Brook to Acton Town was single line working only.^[1]^[2]

Also on the District line, services between East Ham and Barking were suspended at 11:35, with single line working introduced at 15:10, then normal working from 17:15.^[2]

An explosion damaged the canopy at Warren Street station at 20:10.^[3]

At 20:15, a train stalled between Campbell Road and Bow Road station due to debris on the track. Current off at 20:19, westbound services reversed at Whitechapel, and eastbound at Bromley-by-Bow. Current was restored at 20:53, but was off again at 20:53^[4] At 20:58 a High Exlosive (HE) bomb at Eleanor Street, Bow, closed Bow Road station, although traffic was not directly affected.^[1] Current was restored again at 21:13; westbound services revsersed at Bow Road, and eastbound at Bromley-by-Bow.^[4]

An HE damaged the track between Ealing Common and Acton Town; services reversed at Acton Town.^[4]

At 20:56, services suspended between Acton Town and Northfields due to a Delayed Action (DA) bomb, and between Acton Town and South Harrow for track inspection. Services resumed between Acton Town and Northfields at 22:17, with speed restriction between Acton Town and South Ealing. North Ealing to South Harrow services resumed at 22:40.^[4]

An HE on the track between Willesden Green and Dollis Hill was reported at 21:00; trains revsersed at Wembley Park and West Hampstead.^[4] At 21:08 a bomb hit the track at the Acton end of the Ealing Common Depot.^[4]

At 21:32, current was off on the northbound fast and local lines between Finchley Road and Willesden Green, due to burnt cabling. Current on again and services resumed at 22:14.^[4] At 10:45 a fire adjacent to the signal box at Finchley Road damaged cables. Services between Baker Street and West Hampstead resumed at 00:25 on the 10th.^[4]

Services suspended between Canons Park and Stanmore at 22:58 due to a DA at Cheynes Avenue.^[5]

On the Piccadilly line, services between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters were suspended at 21:08 due to a suspected DA at Southgate.^[5]

HEs and DAs at Earls Court at 05:20 on the 10th, damaging the eastbound side of the station, and cables, and blocking the District line tracks.^[5]

At 08:00 on the 10th, the following working conditions were reported:

Piccadilly line
Suspended Hammersmith to Acton Town.

Metropolitan line
Suspended Farringdon Street to Moorgate.

East London line
Still closed to passenger traffic.

Bakerloo line
Suspended Willesden Green to Wembley Park.

District line
Suspended Gloucester Road to Stamford Brook, single line working Stamford Brook to Acton Town - UXB Ravenscourt Park 09/10.
Shuttle service Richmond to Gunnersby.^[6]

Unexploded bombs
1. Wood Lane 05/10 - interference with stabling trains, working of Central line, and operation of sub-station.^[7]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - October 1940: Damage Appreciation 09-10/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 09/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 09/10/40 to 06:00 10/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 09/10/40 to 06:00 10/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 09/10/40 to 06:00 10/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 10/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 10/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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8/9 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-08T08:00:00.004+01:00

Thirty-second day/night of the London Blitz.

At 09:35 on Tuesday 8 October 1940, a High Explosive (HE) bomb outside Chancery Lane Central line station damaged windows and woodwork, and water was reported, "percolating through to escalator chamber."^[1] The station was closed until 12:00.^[2]

At 11:33 District line services between St James's Park and Mansion house were suspended due to the earlier bombing of Charing Cross (now Embankment) station (see yesterday's report here). Bakerloo and Northern line trains were also non-stopping at Charing Cross from the same time.^[2]

Ladbroke Grove Hammersmith & City line station was slightly damaged at 20:55, but services were unaffected.^[3]

At 20:25 an HE at Bromley-by-Bow station temporarily blocked the District line, with current off between Campbell Road and Plaistow station. Eastbound Trains terminated at Bow Road until services resumed at 20:52.^[4]

On the Northern line at 20:37, Colindale station was hit by an HE for the third time in a fortnight. Services suspended between Colindale and Edgware, with bus service in operation.^[4]

The Metropolitan/then-Bakerloo line between Willesden Green and Dollis Hill was hit by an HE at 21:08, badly damaging the track. Trains were reversed at Willesden Green and Wembley Park.^[4]

A Delayed Action (DA) bomb was reported in the vicinity of Putney Bridge at 21:12; trains reversed at Parson's Green and East Putney until through services resumed at 23:37 under a 10 mph speed restriction.^[4]

At 21:35 Incendiary Bombs at Earl's Court station at 21:55 stopped traffic for 20 minutes.^[4]

A DA in the road over the tunnel at Euston Square at 22:05 caused the evacuation of the station, and closure of the line between Baker Street and Farringdon Street.^[4]

Hammersmith & City line services suspended between Shepherd's Bush and Goldhawk Road at 22:30 due to a fire.^[4]

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

Northern line
Restricted service north of Golders Green.

Bakerloo line
Suspended Willesden Green to Wembley Park.

District line
Suspended Putney Bridge to Wimbledon - damage at Putney Bridge.

Metropolitan line
No services Farringdon Street to Moorgate.
Suspended Willesden Green to Wembley Park, anticipated fast lines will be cleared later today.

East London line
Closed to passenger traffic.^[5]

Unexploded bombs
1. Wood Lane 05/10 - interference with stabling trains, working of Central line, and operation of sub-station.^[6]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 08/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 08/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 08/10/40 to 06:00 09/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 08/10/40 to 06:00 09/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 09/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 09/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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Advert back-log

2010-10-07T08:03:00.007+01:00

Three more adverts from the last year added to my webpage on the London underground in Films & TV, with Canary Wharf and another station (possibly Mornington Crescent) courtesy of Marks & Spencer, the disused Jubilee line parts of Charing Cross getting a Homebase make-over, and then back to Canary Wharf for Microsoft's answer to "information overload."

7/8 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-07T08:00:00.009+01:00

Thirty-first day/night of the London Blitz.

On Monday 7th October 1940, Green Gate sub-station near West Ham District line station was slightly damaged by a High Explosive (HE) bomb.^[1]

At 08:50 on the 8th, an HE penetrated the roof of Charing Cross (now Embankment) station, and exploded on the District line track, although there was no damage to the river wall or an adjacent water main. The ticket hall was wrecked, killing one person - 30 year-old Wilfred Samuel Uffindell of Seven Kings, Essex - and injuring nineteen more. Station closed.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]

At 08:00 on the 8th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Damage at Colindale - reversing at Golders Green, with 15 minute shuttle service Hendon to Golders Green.

Metropolitan line
No services Farringdon Street to Moorgate.^[5]

Unexploded bombs
1. Wood Lane 05/10 - interference with stabling trains, working of Central line, and operation of sub-station.
2. Neasden Depot 24/09 - prevents use of south end of yard.
3. Neasden Depot 30/09 - no interference.^[6]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 08/10/40, page 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 08-09/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[3] CWGC record
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 11/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 08/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 08/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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6/7 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-06T08:00:00.005+01:00

Thirtieth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 11:35 on Sunday 6th October 1940, Central line services were restored between Wood Lane and Queens Road (now Queenway) station, and between Wood Lane and Ealing Broadway at 13:47.^[1]

Tooting Broadway station was closed due to a burst water main, but reopened at 07:25 on the 7th.^[2]

Northern line services between Camden Town and Golders Green - disrupted since 27/28 September (see here) - were resumed on the morning of the 7th.^[2]^[3]

At 08:00 on the 7th, the following working conditions were reported:

Metropolitan line
No services Farringdon Street to Moorgate - unsafe buildings.

East London line
Closed since 07/09 - bomb damage to Surrey Docks, hope to re-open for freight shortly.^[4]

Unexploded bombs
1. Neasden Depot 27/09 - prevents use of south end of yard.^[5]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 06/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 06/10/40 to 06:00 07/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 07/10/40, 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 07/10/40, 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 07/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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Making-up the Tube

2010-10-05T22:59:00.010+01:00

The recent Rimmel advert set in an unconvincing CGI London Bridge station (above) has finally prompted me to add not only it to my page on the London underground in Films & TV, but also their previous effort from earlier this year featuring an almost equally faux rendition of Waterloo station:

It's all a long way from when they actually bothered to use a real station back in 2008, albeit East Finchley masquerading at Ladbroke Grove....

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5/6 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-05T08:00:00.004+01:00

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:

Northern line
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]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 05/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[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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4/5 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

Twenty-eight day/night of the London Blitz.

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

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

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

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

At 08:00 on the 5th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Shuttle service Camden Town to Hamsptead - tunnel damage 28/09, repairs to be finished 11/10.

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

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

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

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

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

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3/4 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-03T08:00:00.006+01:00

Twenty-seventh day/night of the London Blitz.

Around 00:50 on the 4th, a High Explosive bomb, or a large Incendiary Bomb, or both, hit the Metropolitan line's North Harrow Yard, damaging buildings and signals, and displacing 120 feet (37 metres) of negative rail, and blocking the entrance to the yard. The down line was cleared at 03:30, and the up line an hour and a quarter later. The Metropolitan's freight service was suspended pending clearance of the yard access.^[1]^[2]

At 08:00 on the 4th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Shuttle service Camden Town to Hamsptead - tunnel damage 28/09, repairs to be finished 11/10.

Bakerloo line
Suspended north of Queen's Park - damaged LMS bridge Harlseden 28/09. Expected to re-open in sex days.

Metropolitan line
Kings Cross to Moorgate suspended - damaged buildings alongside. Expected to re-open in seven days, but protection of line in meantime being considered.

East London line
Damage 07/09 - suspended until end of this week, when freight service can resume, passenger service later.^[3]

Unexploded bombs
1. Neasden Depot 21/09 - still prevents use of end of yard.
2. Surrey Docks 24/09 - delay to repairs to previous damage.
3. Neasden Depot 01/10 - behind motormen's hut, no interference.
4. Kilburn, Alpha Place 02/10 - preventing use of adjacent sub-station.^[4]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 03/10/40 to 06:00 04/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 03/10/40 to 06:00 04/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 03/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 03/10/40, page 3-4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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2/3 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-02T08:00:00.009+01:00

Twenty-sixth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 11:25 on the Wednesday 2 October 1940, a Delayed Action bomb was discovered at Hendon Park. Northern line services suspended between Hendon and Golders Green; normal working resumed by 12:00.^[1]

At the joint District/Piccadilly line South Ealing line station, tracks, cables, and signals were damaged.^[2]

At 01:45 on the 3rd, Smarts Place sub-station was shut down due to cable problems; re-opened at 04:30.^[3]

At 05:00, bombs blocked the line at Wembley Park station.^[4]

At 08:00 on the 3rd, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Camden Town and Edgware suspended - bomb damage at Golders Green 02/10.

District line
Ealing Common to Ealing Broadway suspended - damage to Hanger Lane Bridge 28/09.

Metropolitan line
Kings Cross and Moorgate suspended - damage 19/09 and 24/09.
Addison Road to Latimer Road suspended (25/09), expected to re-open 01/10.
Ruislip to Uxbridge suspended - bomb damage 30/09.^[5]

Unexploded bombs
1. Neasden Depot 21/09 - still prevents use of end of yard.
2. Surrey Docks 24/09 - delay to repairs to previous damage.
3. Shadwell 21/09 - will affect working when repairs completed.
4. Neasden Depot - behind motormen'shut, no interference.^[6]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 02/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 03/10/40 to 06:00 04/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 02/10/40 to 06:00 03/10/40, 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 02-03/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/3]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 03/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 03/10/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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1/2 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-10-01T08:00:00.008+01:00

Twenty-fifth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 18:30 on the Tuesday 1 October 1940, services resumed between Woodside Park and High Barnet on the Northern line, and at 19:16 between Wood Lane and Ealing on the Central line.^[1]

At 20:35 on the Tuesday 1 October 1940, bombs were dropped between Finchley Road and West Hampstead, damaging windows on a Bakerloo line train approaching the latter station, and cutting the current from Finchley Road sub-station.^[2] A feeder was opened from Baker Street substation, and services resumed at 21:00.^[2] Obstructions on the track at West Hampstead at 21:55 suspended northbound services for 20 minutes.^[1]

A bomb hit the machine shop at the Hammersmith car sheds at 21:04, and also damaged a train approaching the station.^[2] Hammersmith to Latimer Road services suspended until 21:45.^[1]

At 05:10 on the 2nd, a bomb hit the northbound track at Golders Green station on the Northern line, near No. 28 points and the tunnel mouth. Power supply, signals, air main, telephones, 50 ft (46 metres) of both conductor rails, and rolling stock were damaged, and a retaining wall demolished, but there were no casulaties. Services suspended Camden Town to Edgware, with replacement bus services initiated.^[1]^[2] Service between Edgware and Hampstead resumed at 07:15, with single line working between Hampstead and Camden Town from 08:45.^[3]

At 08:00 on the 2nd, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Camden Town and Edgware suspended - bomb damage at Golders Green 02/10.

District line
Ealing Common to Ealing Broadway suspended - damage to Hanger Lane Bridge 28/09.

Metropolitan line
Kings Cross and Moorgate suspended - damage 19/09 and 24/09.
Addison Road to Latimer Road suspended (25/09), expected to re-open 01/10.
Ruislip to Uxbridge suspended - bomb damage 30/09.^[4]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 01/10/40 to 06:00 02/10/40, sheet 1
[Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 01/10/40 to 06:00 02/10/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 02/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 02/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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30 September/1 October 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-30T08:00:00.014+01:00

Twenty-fourth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 21:18 on the Monday 30 September 1940, a derailed train at North Acton caused power problems at the Old Oak Common sub-station; Wood Lane to Ealing suspended.^[1]

At 21:51, a 500kg bomb exploded in the front gardens of two houses at the corner of Lessar Avenue and Clapham Common South Side, 150 yards (137 metres) north of Clapham South station, blowing in the buildings' foundations and causing their complete collapse. Sixty feet (18 metres) below, two top segments of the southbound Northern line tunnel were broken, while the northbound tunnel was undamaged, but showed evidence of having been shaken.^[2] When the damage was discovered at 23:15, a 5 mph (8 kph) speed restriction was imposed southbound, and a 20 mph (32 kph) limit northbound. At the Ministry of Transport, Colonel AHL Mount (see here) noted:

"The damage appears not inconsitent with that at Mornington Crescent and Chalk Farm, having regard to the weight of the bomb."^[3]

Normal working resumed 08:40 on the 1st.^[4]

At 04:00 on the 1st, ten bombs were dropped in the vicinity of Ruislip Metropilitan/Piccadilly line station. Services suspended from Ruislip to Uxbridge.^[1] Normal working resumed 07:55.^[5]

At 05:31, the westbound running rail was found to be cracked between Gloucester Road and South Kensington on the Piccadilly line, and 5 mph (8 kph) speed restriction was imposed.^[1]

At 08:00 on the 1st, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Single line working Hampstead to Camden Town - damage to Chalk Farm tunnel 27/09, expected to re-open 05/10.
Woodside Park to High Barnet suspended - Unexploded Bomb (UXB 21/09).

Central line
Wood Lane to Ealing Broadway suspended - damage to Hanger Lane Bridge.
North Acton station closed.

Piccadilly line
Ruislip to Uxbridge suspended - bomb damage 30/09.

Bakerloo line
Stanmore trains reversing at Hampstead - damage to Kilburn Bridge 16/09.

District line
Ealing Common station re-opened 30/09.
Ealing Common to Ealing Broadway suspended - damage to Hanger Lane Bridge 28/09.

Metropolitan line
Kings Cross and Moorgate suspended - damage 19/09 and 24/09, expected to re-open 10/10.
Addison Road to Latimer Road suspended (25/09), expected to re-open 01/10.
Ruislip to Uxbridge suspended - bomb damage 30/09.^[6]

Unexploded Bombs

1. Woodside Park 21/09 - Services suspended Woodside Park to High Barnet.
2. Farringdon, Cow Cross Street 24/09 - Delay in clearance of line.
3. Neasden Depot, 18 Road 21/09 - Preventing use of south end of yard.
4. Surrey Docks 24/09 - Delay to repairs to previous damage
5. Morden Depot 27/09 - No interference.^[7]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 30/09/40 to 06:00 01/10/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 01/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 01/10/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1105]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 01/10/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 01/10/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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29/30 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-29T08:00:00.008+01:00

Twenty-third day/night of the London Blitz.

At 09:20 on the Sunday 29 September 1940, a Delayed Action bomb was reported between Uxbridge and Hillingdon Metropolitan/Piccadilly line stations; services suspended 09:52 to 11:20.^[1]

Services resumed between North Ealing and Acton Town Piccadilly line stations at 18:00.^[1]

At 00:25 on the 30th, a fire adjacent to the track at Park Royal station suspended Piccadilly line traffic until 00:45.^[2]

The line at Northfields Piccadilly line station was block by damage to a bridge over the track, while Harlesden station on the Bakerloo line was similarly blocked.^[3]

At Ealing Common Piccadilly/District line station, bombs fell in the Uxbridge Road at 04:50. Services suspended until 06:20.^[3] At 06:40 it was reported that the track was buckled between Ealing Common and Actown Town stations. Ealing Common was closed, and services suspended until lines were reported in order at 09:35, with the station itself reopening at 16:25.^[4]

At 06:30 a Parachute Mine was reported in the air between Putney Bridge and Earls Court District line stations, and drifting towards Walham Green. Services suspended until 07:00.^3]

At 08:00 on the 30th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Single line working Hampstead to Camden Town - damage to Chalk Farm tunnel.
Woodside Park to High Barnet suspended - Unexploded Bomb (UXB).

Central line
North Acton to Ealing Broadway suspended - damage to Hanger Lane Bridge.

Piccadilly line
North Ealing to Acton Rown suspended - UXB at North Ealing.

Bakerloo line
Stanmore trains reversing at Hampstead.

District line
Richmond to Kew suspended.
Acton to Ealing Broadway suspended - damage to Hanger Lane Bridge.
UXB between Ealing Common and Acton Town.

Metropolitan line
Closed between Kings Cross and Moorgate.
Addison Road to Latimer Road suspended.^[5]

^[1]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 29/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 29/09/40 to 06:00 30/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 29-30/09/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 30/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 30/09/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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28/29 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-28T08:00:00.005+01:00

Twenty-second day/night of the London Blitz.

At 01:15 on the 29th, bomb damage at Hanger Lane Bridge over the shared District line/Great Western Railway (GWR) knocked cables off brackets and on fire, and blocking the line, leaving a GWR goods train on fire under the bridge.^[1]

At 01:22, two High Explosive bombs hit the Piccadilly line's Northfields Depot, damaging points, and cratering the track west of the Northfields station itself.^[1]

At 08:00 on the 29th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Closed between Woodside Park and High Barnet - Unexploded Bomb (UXB) at Woodside Park.
Chalk Farm station closed; shuttle service between Hampstead and Camden Town.

Central line
Wood Lane to Ealing Broadway suspended - bomb damage to Hanger Lane Bridge.

Piccadilly line
North Ealing to Acton Town suspended - bomb damage to Hanger Lane Bridge.
Hounslow Town to Acton Town suspended - bomb damage at Northfields.

District line
Turnham Green to Gunnersby suspended - bomb damage.
Acton to Ealing Broadway suspended - bomb damage to Hanger Lane Bridge.

Metropolitan line
Closed between Kings Cross and Moorgate - UXB at Cow Cross Street.
Farringdon Street station closed - unsafe buildings.
Addison Road to Latimer Road suspended - bomb damage at Uxbridge Road station, also closed.^[2]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 28/09/40 to 06:00 29/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 29/09/40, pages 1-2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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27/28 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-27T08:00:00.010+01:00

Twenty-first day/night of the London Blitz.

"The enemy was very much more active during the day than usual. Three attacks were made on LONDON and some damage was done to the Southern Railway."^[1]

On Friday 27th September 1940, previously suspended services between Northfield and Hounslow resumed at 08:52, and between Turnham Green and Richmond at 14:00.^[2]

At 21:47, a 250kg High Explosive (HE) bomb hit the road of Haverstock Hill 100 yards (91 metres) north-west of Chalk Farm Northern line station, 32 feet (10 metres) directly above the southbound running tunnel.^[3]^[4]

It was later reported:

"Exceptionally few windows were broken and the clock was not even stopped in the station; the men in the control room experienced a heavy thus and the structure trembled, but they did not notice this particular bomb more than others in the neighbourhood."^[5]

Segments were cracked in segments of thirteen rings of the northbound tunnel, while the southbound suffered fractures in twenty-three rings, with a 20 x 30 inch (50 x 70 cm) hole blown through one segment at waist height above the rail level.^[5] Services were initially suspended completely between Camden Town and Golders Green stations, but the damage in the northbound tunnel was judged to be of a level that would still allow the running of a full-length shuttle train service through it between Camden Town and Hampstead.^[5]^[6] The following day a bus service was instituted between Chalk Farm and Belsize park, with the stations only open for booking purposes.^[7]

After visiting the site on the 28th, Lieutenant-Colonel AHL Mount of the Ministry of Transport reported:

"All the engineers concerned were of the opinion that had this damage taken place under the River [Thames], water would have poured into the Tube at many places, and the Inspecting Officers agree."^[5]

At the time the practice was to close the floodgates either end of all the tunnels running under the Thames, between both Charing Cross (now Embankment) and Waterloo, and London Bridge and Bank, but despite the near catastrophic experience at the former on the 9/10 September (see here), it had been strongly suggested that the tunnels at the latter, being much deeper below the river bed, were less at risk, and so could be kept open. Mount was emphatically opposed to this, and considered that this new incident - coupled with the damage at Mornington Crescent on the 8/9 September (see here) - was clear evidence that the existing cautious working practices were correct:

"It is clear that the additional depth of the tubes [at London Bridge] does not justify differentiation from the procedure agreed for the Charing Cross and Waterloo floodgates. The Inspecting Officers are not carrying out their normal functions in this respect. They are normally the Minister's technical advisers on all railway matters; but backed by their knowledge and experience of the last two years, they are in a better position than anyone else in this Ministry to advice the Minister upon the risks which should justifiably be taken in a matter of policy of this kind, and they have no-one upon whom their responsibility can devolve.

It is easy to be wise after the event and say that a risk might safely have been taken after no bombs had fallen during any particular Red Warning; but this Ministry will be hard put to it to find an excuse if, after having spent many thousands of pounds towards making the Tube system safe for transport purposes, the floodgates which have been provided at London Bridge are not used, and the Tube system is flooded in consequence and put out of action for the rest of the war, not only for transport, but even as refuges, together with the almost inevitable loss of many thousands of lives."^[5]

Damaged segments in the southbound tunnel were extensively replaced, whilst those in the northbound tunnel were merely reinforced, pending full replacement later (see plan below). Full services resumed on 7 October 1940.^[5]^[8]^[9]

At 23:25 services between Uxbridge and Rusilip on the joint Metropolitan/Piccadilly line were suspended due to a reported HE on the track; normal working resumed at 00:20.^[6]

Stockwell station on the Northern line was closed at 05:45 on the 28th due to a Delayed Action bomb in front of the station.^[6] Station re-opened by 18:00.^[7]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 26-28/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 27/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 27/09/40 to 06:00 28/09/40, sheet 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 14C [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[5] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1941-1942 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2766]
^[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 25/09/40 to 06:00 26/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 28/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[8] 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]
^[9] 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]

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26/27 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-26T08:00:00.004+01:00

Twentieth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Thursday 26 September 1940, the following previously suspended services were resumed:

09:30 - Wood Lane to Ealing Broadway (Central line)
10:20 - Archway to Finchley Central (Northern line)
10:50 - Baker Street to Kings Coss (Metropolitan line)
14:00 - Ladbroke Grove to Hammersmith (Hammersmith & City line)
16:27 - Finchley Central to Woodside Park (Northern line)
17:45 - Hyde Park Corner to Hammersmith (Piccadilly line)
18:19 - Edgware to Hendon (Northern line)^[1]

An explosion in the air above West Hampstead Metropolitan/Bakerloo line station at 22:30 damaged glass in the station building, and injured one passenger.^[2]

On the Piccadilly line, at Caledonian Road station, the roof and doors of Walters Road sub-station were damaged.^[2]

At 23:15, Paddington (Praed Street) station was hit by Incendiary Bombs.^[3]

Fires in the vicinity of Edgware Road station caused the suspension of Metropolitan line services between 00:15 and 00:40 on the 27th.^[4]

An unexploded Parachute Mine was reported near the LNER's Stroud Green station - at the time planned to become part of the Northern Line (see map below) - at 00:50^[5]

The up line on Portobello Bridge carrying the Hammersmith & City line was damaged by a bomb at 01:50.^[2]

On the District line, a girder fell across the eastbound track at South Ealing at 04:20,^[2] while services between Gunersby and and Richmond were suspended due to a Land Mine near Kew Gardens, and damage to Thames Road Bridge.^[4]

A High Explosive (HE) bomb fell on the Piccadilly line track at Boston Manor at 05:16, displacing the current rail.^[2]^[2] Services suspended.^[4]

An HE hit the car shed at the Northern line's Morden Depot, destroying an ambulance.^[2]

Bakerloo line services between Paddington and Elephant & Castle suspended due to signal problems.^[4]

At 09:00 on the 27th, the following working conditions were reports:

Northern line
Woodside Park to High Barnet closed.

Piccadilly line
Russell Square station closed.

Central line
Tottenham Court Road, and Oxford CIrcus stations closed.

All lines at Ealing Broadway closed.

Earls Court station now open.^[6]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 26/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 26/09/40 to 06:00 27/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 26-27/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 26/09/40 to 06:00 27/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 26-27/09/40, page 11 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 26-27/09/40, page 11 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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25/26 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-25T08:00:00.010+01:00

Nineteenth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Wednesday 25 September 1940, a suspected Delayed Action (DA) bomb on the track between Gunnersby and Kew Gardens suspended District line services between 09:07 and 10:25. A DA at Dagenham (now Dagenham East) at 09:16 suspended services between Barking and Upminster. Electric services between Barking and Dagenham, and steam services to Upminster, were resumed at 10:58, with full electric through services at 17:10.^[1]

From 10:00, Tottenham Court Road station was open for interchange and exit only, with no booking facilities open.^[1]

Northern line service between Strand (now Charing Cross) and Kennington were suspended from 12:20 to 12:53 for an inspection of the tunnel.^[1]

On the Northern line, blast from a High Explosive (HE) bomb on the road outside damaged Oval station,^[2] while another damaged Colindale station at 20:45.^[3] Services between Archway and Woodside Park were suspended from 21:30 due to a current failure, and DAs between East Finchley and Finchley Central, and between Finchley Central and Woodside Park; services resumed between Archway and Finchley Central only at 01:03.^[4] An HE on the viaduct at Brent (now Brent Cross) station resulted in northbound services terminating at Hampstead between 11:03 and 11:34.^[4] At 23:45 a second HE at Colindale completely demolished the station, injuring a number of staff and passengers,^[2], eight of them fatally.^[5] Edgware to Hendon services suspended.^[4]

On the Richmond branch of the District line, damage to the Thames Road Bridge led to services being suspended between Kew Gardens and Gunnersby,^[4] while at 21:15, Incendiary Bombs (IBs) between Fishers Lane Bridge and Turnham Green station also affected services.^[3]

IBs caused a fire at Chiswick sub-station, whilst elsewhere Goldhawk Road station and two arches of the viaduct were also set ablaze.^[2] Services suspended Edgware Road to Hammersmith,^[6] and resumed between Edgware Road and Ladbroke Grove at 07:10 on the 26th.^[7]

On the joint District/Piccadilly line, the west signal box at West Kensington was damaged by a bomb, while fires under the arches damaged Stamford Brook station.^[2] Piccadilly line services suspended between Hammersmith and Hyde Park Corner.^[6]

On the short Metropolitan line branch between Latimer Road and Addison Road (see map below), Uxbridge Road station - which stood on the site of the new Shepherd's Bush London Overground station - was damaged by an HE.^[2] Services on the branch suspended.^[6] The Metropolitan line as a whole suffered a total failure of current between 22:05 and 22:36.^[4]

At 22:13 a bomb damaged Kingsbury then-Bakerloo line station, while further down the line, Willesden Green was damaged by another bomb at 22:34. The windows of the sub-station at Finchley Road station were blown in by an HE, and as were those of the Hendon sub-station^[2]

At 08:00 on the 26th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Closed Finchley Central to High Barnet, and Edgware to Hendon.
Restricted services Hendon to Golders Green.

District line
Damage at West Kensington.
No service Earls Court to Kensington, Ealing Broadway, or Richmond.
Wimbledon to Upminster in operation.

Piccadilly line
No service Hammersmith to Hyde Park Corner - damage at West Kensington.

Metropolitan line
Addison Road to Latimer Road closed.
Baker Street to Moorgate closed.
Aylesbury to Baker Street in operation.

Bakerloo line
Oxford Circus staion closed.

East London line
Closed.

Hammersmith & City line
Open.

Goods Exchange (Metropolitan)
Widened line open.^[8]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 25/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 25/09/40 to 06:00 26/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 25-26/09/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 25/09/40 to 06:00 26/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[5] Casualty & Fatalty Analysis: Colindale 25/09/40
^[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 25/09/40 to 06:00 26/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[7] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 26/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 26/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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24/25 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-24T08:00:00.004+01:00

Eighteenth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Tuesday 24 September 1940, District line services suspended since the previous day were resumed between Charing Cross (now Embankment) and Mansion House at 10:05, and between St James's Park and Charing Cross (now Embankment) at 18:15. Services between Earl's Court and Putney Bridge, suspended since 12 September, resumed at 19:50.^[1]

Metropolitan line services through Swiss Cottage station - closed due to a Delayed Action (DA) bomb (see yesterday) - resumed at 15:42, but another DA was discovered at 16:58, and services between Baker Street and Wembley Park suspended until 18:45.^[1]

Piccadilly line services between Wood Green and Cockfosters, suspended since 18 September, resumed at 17:30.^[1]

Debris on the track between West Kingsington and Barons Court damaged two Piccadilly line trains (broken side springs).^[2]

High Explosive (HE) bombs again hit Earl's Court District/Piccadilly line station at 21:30, with debris injuring three passengers and two staff.^[2]^[3] The station was closed, although District line services between there and Parson's Green resumed at 07:00 on the 25th.^[4] District line services between East Ham and Upminster were suspended at 21:30 due to an incident at Upminster.^[5]

At 21:58 Incendiary Bombs fell on the track at South Kensington station; District line services suspended between South Kensington and Acton Town, and Piccadilly line services between Hyde Park Corner and Acton Town.^[2]

Metropolitan line services were suspended due to an Unexploded Bomb at Finchley Road.^[6]

At 22:00, a bomb hit a buiding on the corner of Hanway Street and Tottenham Court Road, north of the station of the same name and directly above the Northern line, but the tunnel was not damaged.^[7]

At Morden, a faling anti-aircraft shell damaged electrical cables; current switched off between 01:11 and 01:22.^[2]

An HE on the track at Northfields Depot at 01:12 on the 25th damaged three roads.^[2]

At 03:30, Mile End station was also hit by HEs,^[6] while one outside Blackfriars station damaged the roof, and left the ceiling in a dangerous condition.^[2] Services through Blackfriars resumed at 08:40.^[8]

At 08:00 on the 25th, the following working conditions were reported:

Northern line
Woodside Park to High Barnet closed.

District line
Ealing Broadway, Richmond, and Hounslow West to Charing Cross (now Embankment) reversing.
Dagenham (now Dagenham East) to Mansion House reversing.

Metropolitan line
No service between Baker Street and Moorgate.
Addison Road station closed.

Piccadilly, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & City lines normal.^[9]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 24/09/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 24/09/40 to 06:00 25/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 24-25/09/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 24-25/09/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 24/09/40 to 06:00 25/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 24-25/09/40, page 11 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, revised drawing 6 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[8]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 25/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[9] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 25/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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23/24 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-23T08:00:00.008+01:00

Seventeenth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Monday 23 September 1940, Oxford Circus station was closed due to water on the track, cause unknown.^[1]

At 05:00 on the 24th, a bomb damaged the roof and caused flooding at Mile End station on the District line,^[2] although services on the line between Whitechapel and Bow Road resumed at 08:30.^[3]

Swiss Cottage Bakerloo/Metropolitan line station was closed at 07:20 due to a Delayed Action bomb, but Bakerloo line services resumed at 08:45.^[3]

At 08:00 on the 24th, the following exceptions to normal working were reported:

Northern line
Woodside Park to Finchley closed.

District line
Bow Road to Whitechapel closed.
Mansion House to St James's Park closed - bomb on the Embankment.

East London line
Whole line closed.

Piccadilly line
Arnos Grove, Cockfosters, and Russell Square stations.^[4]

^[1]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 23/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 23/09/40 to 06:00 24/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 24/09/40, sheet 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 24/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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22/23 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-22T08:00:00.007+01:00

Sixteenth day/night of the London Blitz.

Two trains collided on the southbound platform at Queen's Park station on the Bakerloo. Two trains were damaged, and services were suspended between Kensal Green and Queen's Park southbound only. At Plaistow on the District line, a car overturned at 23:25.^[1]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 22/09/40 to 06:00 23/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]

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21/22 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-21T08:00:00.005+01:00

Fifteenth day/night of the London Blitz.

Metropolitan line services between Baker Street and Edgware Road resumed at 09:30 on Saturday 21 September 1940, while those on the Northern line between Golder's Green and Brent (now Brent Cross) resumed at 12:00.^[1]

Services reversed at Putney Bridge due to Delayed Action bomb (DA) at the west end of Parson's Green station on the District line, and at Woodside Park on the Northern line due to a DA a quarter-mile (800 metres) north of the station.^[2]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 21/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 21/09/40 to 06:00 22/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]

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20/21 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-20T08:00:00.005+01:00

Fourteenth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Friday 20th September 1940, an Unexploded Bomb was reported at the Metropolitan line's Neasden Depot, in sheds between roads 17 & 18.^[1]

On the District line, Earl's Court to Parson's Green services were suspended due to a Delayed Action bomb (DA) at West Brompton, while services were resumed between Ladbroke Grove and Addison Road (see map below) at 16:10 on the 20th.^[2]

Northern line services between Golder's Green and Brent (now Brent Cross) were suspended due to a DA.^[2]

A DA was reported adjacent to the track at Alperton station at 21:15; trains were reversed at Ealing Common and South Hounslow. At 21:28, nearby fires closed Lambeth North station on the Bakerloo line.^[3]

There was further disruption at Wood Lane area, when a DA was reported between there and Action; trains reversed at Wood Lane.^[3]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 20-21/09/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 20/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 20/09/40 to 06:00 21/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]

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19/20 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-19T08:00:00.010+01:00

Thirteenth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Thursday 19th September 1940, a Delayed Action bomb (DA) between Wembley Park and West Hampstead suspended the Bakerloo /Metropolitan line from 10:05 to 10:45.^[1]

District line services between Bromley-by-Bow and Barking stations were suspended between 10:38 and 11:00, after which they initially resumed without stopping at Plaistow station, which reopened at 14:02.^[1]

Earl's Court station reopened after being closed on the 13th, while Hammersmith & City line services between Hammersmith and Ladbroke Grove station resumed, having been suspended since the 17th.^[1]

No Piccadilly line services between Wood Green and Cockfosters due to bomb crater in track, while Russell Square station was closed due to a nearby DA.^[2]

The Metropolitan line was closed between Baker Street and Edgware Road stations due to a DA, and between Euston Square and Mooraget due to tunnel bomb damage the previous night, and unsafe buildings at Moorgate.^[2]

Central line services between Wood Lane and Queens Road (now Queensway) stations were suspended until 08:00 on the 20th, while the East London line remained closed due to bomb damage at Surrey Docks (now Surrey Quays).^[3]

At 08:00 on the 20th, the following exceptions to normal working were reported:

Piccadilly line
No service Wood Green to Cockfosters - crater in track between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters.
Russell Square station closed - UXB in vicinity.

Metropolitan line
Baker Street - UXB between Baker Street and Egware Road.
Euston Squre - bomb through tunnel roof.
No service Egware Road to Moorgate - unsafe buildings at Farringdon Street station due to fires in vicinity.

Central line
No Service Wood Lane to Queen's Road - bomb at Wood Lane station at 08:05, traffic resumed by 09:00.

East London line
Line closed - damage to tunnel and track at Surrey Docks station (09/09).^[4]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 19/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 17/09/40 to 06:00 18/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 17/09/40 to 06:00 18/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 20/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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18/19 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-18T08:00:00.015+01:00

Twelfth day/night of the London Blitz, on which there was heavy disruption due to Delayed Action (DA) bombs on or in the vicinity of tracks, stations, or other infrastructure.

On Wednesday 18 September 1940 services were suspended between Baker Street and Edgware Road stations, while Russell Square and Great Portland stations were closed, although the latter re-opened at 11:10.^[1] An unexploded Parachute Mine^[2] also closed Shoreditch station on the East London Line.^[1]

A suspected Unexploded bomb (UXB) - probably a Delayed Action, but possibly an unexploded anti-aircraft shell - was reported at the Metropolitan line's Neasden Depot,^[3] between number 8 and 9 roads.^[4]

After the disruption of the previous night, Regent's Park station re-opened at 11:15, while the Central line resumed running between Bond Street and Liverpool Street at 11:30, and a shuttle service between Wood Lane and Ealing Broadway commenced at 17:40.^[1]

Marble Arch station re-opened at 19:12, having been closed since the explosion of the previous day.^[5]

At 19:58 there was more disruption at Neasden Depot, when a bomb hit number 5 road, damaging five trains. Current was switched off at 21:00.^[4]

The ticket hall at Ravenscourt Park station was damaged by a bomb on the track at 22:23.^[4]

At 22:37 Acton Road Junction on the District line was bombed, and services to Richmond suspended. Also on the District line, a bomb hit the Cromwell Curve between Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington at 23:47, badly damaging the track and a signalbox, and severed the No. 63 feeder to Mansion House. Two signalmen were hospitalised.^[4]

Piccadilly line services between Acton Town and South Ealing were suspended from 23:10 and 23:37 due to a DA, whilst another was reported at West Brompton at 00:43 on the 19th.^[4] A third DA on the line, at Alperton station, suspended services between Ealing Common and South Harrow from 08:15 to 09:44.^[6]

At 01:00 a bomb hit the junction of Camden Road and Kentish Town Road, almost directly over the Northern line tunnels north of Kentish Town station, but did not damage the tunnels, which are 15 yards (12 metres) below ground at this point.^[7] At 01:15 the junction of Seaton Place and Hamsptead Road, directly above the Northern linebetween Warren Street and Euston stations, was also hit, but again the explosion did not damage the tunnels, 24 yards (22 metres) down.^[8]

A bomb through the tunnel roof at Euston Square station at 01:20. Two permanent way men were killed, and passengers on a train were injured by flying glass. The contemporary plan below shows the point of impact of the bomb, designated "S/P4."^[4]^[9]

At 05:30, a High Explosive bomb blocked the Piccadilly line track 100 yards (91 metres) North of Arnos Grove station; trains reversed at Wood Green.^[10]^[4]

At 08:00, the following exceptions to normal working were reported:

District line
No service Parsons Green to Earls Court - UXB at West Brompton.
No service West Kensington to South Kensington - bomb damage on Cromwell Curve.

Piccadilly line
No service Wood Green to Cockfosters - crater on track between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters.
Russell Square station closed - UXB in vicinity.

Metropolitan line
No service Edgware Road to Moorgate - unsafe buildings between Kings Cross and Moorgate, and bomb damage between Esuton Square and Great Portland Street (19/09 and previously).
No service Ladbroke Grove to Addison Road - UXBs at Shepherd's Bush (17/09) and Uxbridge Road (17/09)

Central line
No service Ealing Broadway to Queen's Road (now Queensway) - bomb damage at Wood Lane, and UXBs at Ducane Road and Shepherd's Bush.
Oxford Circus interchange traffic only - debris in Oxford Street.

East London line
Line closed - damage to tunnel and track at Surrey Docks station (09/09).^[11]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 18/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] A naval mine re-purposed for use on land. Inter-service demarcation dictated that they had to be defused by Royal Navy personnel, rather than the army, who were responsible for dealing with conventional bombs.
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 18-19/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 18/09/40 to 06:00 19/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[5] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 17/09/40 to 06:00 18/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[6] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 19/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[7] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[8] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[9] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 19 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[10] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 18-19/09/40, page 10 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[11] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 19/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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17/18 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-17T08:00:00.001+01:00

Eleventh day/night of the London Blitz.

High Barnet station was closed on Tuesday 17 September 1940 due to a Delayed Action bomb (DA) in the sidings, while another outside Baker Street station closed it except for interchange traffic.^[1]

Regent's Park station on the Bakerloo line closed at 14:35 due to the risk of flooding.^[1]

Over the course of the night, the Metropolitan/Hammersmith & City line's Bow Road Goods Yard (Arnold Road, Bromley) was hit with multiple High Explosive (HE) bombs, rendering some of the track unusable.^[2] At 01:40 on the 18th, a bomb breached the tunnel between Great Portland Street and Baker Street station, landing by the track, but failed to explode.^[2]

At 21:35, the Hammersmith & City line Wood Lane station was hit by Incendiary Bombs.^[3] At the same time, a DA was reported on the track between Shepherd's Bush (now Shepherd's Bush Market) and Latimer Road stations, and another in the vicinity of the Shepherd's Bush sub-station. Services were suspended between Hammersmith and Ladbroke Grove.^[4]

At 21:55, the nearby Central line Wood Lane Depot was hit by a HE bomb or bombs, damaging the Yard Master's office and the Trainmen's Room, as well as the high-tension cable from Lots Road power station. A signalman, a lineman, and a clerk were hospitalised.^[3] Also on the Central line, bombs hitting the road outside Marble Arch station at 23:55 wrecked the subway, and severly damaged the ticket hall.^[3] The Central line as a whole was shut down at 22:10.^[4]

The Marble Arch incident raises questions in relation to the records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which show one fatality - Abraham Rothberg (29), of Bethnal Green - "at Marble Arch Subway," with a second person - Dorothy Esther Jessie Bennett (19), or London, WC2 - dying in hospital on 22 September having been, "injured 18 September 1940, at Marble Arch Subway." The latter dating of the 18th rather than the 17th can easily be explained by the incident ocurring so close to midnight. In addition, however, the CWGC records fourteen other people - nine men and five women - being killed, "at Marble Arch Subway," on 16 September, a date on which there is no damage to the station recorded. It is possible that that they died in the pedestrian subway under Park Lane near to the Marble Arch itself, and that the subsequent casualties at the Underground station were linked in error ("subway" is used to describe pedestrian tunnels in the UK, but rarely Underground stations).

At 01:45 on the 18th, DAs breached the Circle line at Baker Street, damaging the track, but repairs were effected by 06:00.^[3] In the meanwime services between Finchley Road and Baker Street, and Baker Street and Kings Cross, were suspended.^[4]

The Metropolitan line bridge over Uxbridge Road, Sherpherd's Bush, was reported unsafe due to HEs at 04:45.^[5]

At 08:00 on the 18th, the following exceptions to normal working were reported:

District line
Parsons Green to High Street Kensington - UXB at West Brompton, difficult to reach.
No electric servide from Mansion House beyond Bromley.
LMS steam service operating.

Metropolitan line
No service Finchley Road to Moorgate (UXB near Baker Street), Edgware Road to Baker Street, Hammersmith to Latimer Road [Hammersmith & City].
East London Line closed.
Widened line open for freight.

Central line
Entirely closed - damage to Shepherds Bush sub-station and Marble Arch Station.

Northern line
No service Totteridge to High Barnet.^[6]

^[1] Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 17/09/40, sheet 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 17-18/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[3]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D2, 18:00 17/09/40 to 06:00 18/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[4]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 17/09/40 to 06:00 18/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[5] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 17-18/09/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 18/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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16/17 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-16T08:00:00.002+01:00

Tenth day/night of the London Blitz.

On Monday 16 September 1940, Incendiary Bombs (IBs) caused damage to St John's Wood station,^[1] while a Delayed Action (DA) exploded outside Clapham North station on the Northern line, breaking windows and putting an escalator out of action.^[2]

At 10:22, as a result of the discovery of a DA on the Northern line track near High Barnet stgation, trains were reversed at Totteridge & Whetstone.^[4]

Another DA, at Globe Road, Mile End, caused the suspension of District line services east of Whitechapel at 10:25.^[3]

Single line working between Willesden and Finchley Road station on the joint Metropolitan/Bakerloo line from 10:45.^[3]

Oxford Circus Central/Bakerloo line station re-opened at 10:45,^[3] having been closed since 14 September due to an Unexploded Bomb in the vicinity.^[5]

At 11:10, a falling anti-aircraft shell damaged an East London line train at New Cross station.^[2]

Also at 11:10, the westbound trackside telephone between Ravenscourt Park and Barons Court failed, and at 15:00 IBs were found 100 yards (91 metres) east of Barons Court.^[3]

At 22:25 IBs also set fire to Aldersgate and Farringdon Street stations on the Metropolitan line, as well as the adjoining market.^[1] Additional fires between the stations burnt through high tension cables; current switched off at 23:38.^[4]

At 00:25 on the 17th, Streatham, Tooting, Forest Hill, and Bromley sub-stations were shut down due to the main feeder pillar at Lewisham High Street being hit by at bomb.^[4]

An unexploded bomb dropped in the vicinity of Bromley-By-Bow station caused the suspension of District line services.^[6]

The following sections of the Underground were reported at 08:00 on the 17th as being closed:

District line
Earls Court to Parsons Green
Whitechapel to East Ham

Metropolitan line
West Hampstead to Willesden Green
Edgware Road to Moorgate
East London Joint Line

Bakerloo line
Regents Park station

Northern line
Totteridge to High Barnet^[7]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 17-18/09/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 16/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 16/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]^[4]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD2, 18:00 16/09/40 to 06:00 17/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[5]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form RWD1, 06:00-18:00 16/09/40, sheet 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 16-17/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[7]Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 17/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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15/16 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-15T08:00:00.007+01:00

Ninth day/night of the London Blitz.

On the 15th, High Explosive bombs dropped between Upton Park and Plaistow stations on the joint LSTR/District line scored a direct hit on a LSTR train. Upton Park station itself was also hit, completely blocking the tracks, and rendering Station Bridge unsafe for traffic.^[1]

At 06:30 on the 16th, a Delayed Action bomb exploded at the Bakerloo line London Road Depot in North Lambeth. Further explosions followed at 10:23, putting Roads 1-6 out of action.^[2]

The following sections of the Underground were reported at 08:00 on the 16th as being closed:

Hammersmith & City line
Edgware Road to Baker Street
Hammersmith to Westbourne Park

District line
King's Cross to Farringdon Street
Barking to Bow Road [see below]
St James's Park to Earl's Court
Parson Green to High Street Kensington

Bakerloo/Metropolitan lines
West Hampstead to Willesden Green

Central line
Wood Lane^[3] to Ealing Broadway

Northern line
Finchley Central to Archway^[4]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 15-16/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2]Railway Executive Committee: Files: Form D1, 06:00-18:00 15/09/40 [Kew: National Archives, reference AN 2/1104]
^[3]Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 16/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Disused station situated at location between the current Shepherd's Bush and White City stations.

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14/15 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-14T08:00:00.004+01:00

Eighth day/night of the London Blitz.

The following sections of the Underground were reported at 08:00 on the 15th as being closed:

Hammersmith & City line
Edgware Road to Baker Street

District line
King's Cross to Farringdon Street (presumably the unexploded bomb of 11/12 September)
Gloucester Road to Parson's Green^[1]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Railway Situation Report at 08:00 15/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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13/14 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-13T08:00:00.003+01:00

Seventh day/night of the London Blitz.

"For the [seventh] successive day and night the LONDON area was again the main object of attack, with particular concentration on Railway communications and to a less extent the Docks."^[1]

At 11:25 on the 13th, West Brompton station was again (see previous day here) affected, when a High Explosive bomb landed in the adjacent Brompton Cemetery, causing a retaining wall to collapse across the tracks, damaging electrical cabling.^[2] Delayed action or unexploded bombs dropped in the vicinity of Queen Anne's Mansions (requisitioned by the Admiralty) in Westminster caused the precautionary suspension of District line traffic through St James's Park station.^[3]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 13-14/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 13-14/09/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 13-14/09/40, page 7 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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12/13 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-12T08:00:00.002+01:00

Sixth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 23:10 on the 12th, a High Explosive bomb landed in the vicinity of West Brompton station on the Metropolitan line, causing a water tower to collapse, temporarily blocking the tracks.^[1]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 12-13/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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11/12 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-11T08:00:00.003+01:00

Fifth day/night of the London Blitz.

At 01:24 on the 12th, two bombs straddled the Metropolitan line tracks between Uxbridge and Ruislip, but did not explode. District line traffic was suspended when a High Explosive bomb breached the running tunnel between Blackfriars and Mansion House stations at 03:10, but it also failed to detonate.^[1]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 11-12/09/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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10/11 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-10T08:00:00.006+01:00

Fourth day/night of the London Blitz.

"From dark until dawn LONDON was again the main objective but the attacks were less severe than on the preceding nights. As regards railways repeated attacks were continued, although less numerous than on previous nights, nevertheless the damage sustained has certainly affected railway transport."^[1]

An unexploded bomb was reported between Kings Cross and Farringdon Street stations on the Metropolitan line.^[2]

The large area of docks on the Isle of Dogs was heavily targeted on the,^[3] but bombs were also dropped on the similar but smaller facilities south of the river. Between Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks (now Surrey Quays) stations on the East London line, a 50kg High Explosive bomb breached the 15¾ feet (4.8 metres) of ground at the north-east corner of Canada Dock (now Canada Water), just to the south of the position of the current Canada Water station, and exploded in the running tunnel. Traffic was suspended until 11 October. The contemporary plan below shows the point of impact of the bomb, designated "A12" ("A13" was a second hit in almost the same location eight months later).^[4]^[5]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/09/40, page 2 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 10-11/09/40, page 3 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, drawing 22H [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[5] 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]

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9/10 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-09T08:00:00.009+01:00

Third day/night of the London Blitz.

"During daylight of 9th September, enemy action was almost entirely lacking, but from darkness to dawn on 10th September heavy attacks were made, and largely confined to London. The main attack appears to have developed on the City, and the areas near the river, and apparently one of the main objectives was the destruction of rail communications to the South."^[1]

On the morning of 10 September it was realised that a potentially catastrophic danger to part of the Underground network had occured during the night.

In 1914, the original section of what is now the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line was extended to a new terminus at the then Charing Cross station (now Embankment) on the north bank of the Thames. Rather than reversing, trains were turned by means of a wide clockwise loop tunnel, part of which passed under the River. A single platform for both alighting and boarding was provided on the final part of the loop before the tunnel straightened out again on a northern alignment. A ventilation shaft also linked the loop to the sub-surface District line tunnels above.

When in 1926 the line was further extended to Waterloo, on the south bank of the Thames, it was by means of a new southbound tunnel bisecting the loop. A new southbound platform was also added, with the original one on the loop becoming the northbound platform (this is why the platforms are the distance apart that they are, and why one is curved and other straight). The new trackwork was not connected to the loop, but the tunnel was retained for ventilation purposes by means of the shaft to the District line, and so not completely sealed off, although watertight bulkheads were installed on the river side of the ventilation shaft, and where the other end of the loop met the new southbound tunnel, numbered 13 & 14 respectively.

During the air raid on the evening of Monday 9 September 1940 - possibly around 23:25^[2] - the schooner Seven Seas, moored on the north-east side of Hungerford Bridge, was rocked by the detonation of a 50kg High Explosive (HE) bomb that landed in the River. The crew reported that, "the water appeared to spout up for some 30 seconds after the explosion," caused by air escaping from the ruptured loop. It was later discovered that water was seeping through bulkheads 13 & 14, further indicating that the disused tunnel had been breached.

Soundings were taken of the river bed on Wednesday 18 September, and it was determined that the bomb had exploded almost directly over part of the loop, about 60 feet (18 metres) from where it joined the southbound running tunnel, and causing a crater 5 feet (1.5 metres) high around its edge, and 15 feet (4.5 metres) deep in the centre. As the crown of the tunnel was only some 12 feet (3.5 metres) below the river bed, this meant that the bottom of the crater was actually inside it, partially filled with clay and other debris.

During another air raid on the evening of the 18th, a "stick" of bombs straddled the river, and the crew of the Seven Seas - along with some members of the Auxiliary Fire Brigade who were on board at the time - again reported their vessel being rocked by the impact of a bomb in the river. Efforts to locate either this bomb or any crater in the river bed it might have created, however, were fruitless.

On the morning of Friday 20 September, divers examined the crater caused by the first explosion, and found some 12-15 feet (3.5-4.5 metres) of the tunnel had been fractured. A considerable quantity of ballast and mud was lying inside, to a level of around 3-4 feet (1 metre) above the original track level, and the loop between the bulkheads was completely flooded. The extent of the damage was clearly worse than expected, as it was apparent that another bomb landing in the vicinty could cause a "water hammer" effect through the flooded tunnel that would easily breach the bulkheads, flooding the southbound running tunnel, and also the District line via the ventilation shaft.

It was decided to use divers to build a wall of concrete bags inside the breach in the tunnel, after which the crater would be partially filled with ballast, and then capped with a layer of clay (see original plan below). At the same time, a disused passageway connecting the northern end of northbound tunnel to the other side of the loop was to waterproofed, as was bulkhead 14, and finally a new bulkhead would be erected between bulkhead 13 and the ventilation shaft.

While this work was ongoing, at 09:00 on Tuesday 8 October, the crew of the Seven Seas reported a third bomb landing in the river, just to the west of the northbound running tunnel. A maintenance party making a routine inspection inside this tunnel corroborated this impact, but while there was flaking of the cement pointing of 25 rings of tunnel segments, it was initially doubted that the bomb had actually exploded. It was only later when divers recovered the tail fins of a 50kg HE bomb from the river bed near the tunnel that it was decided that it had may have detonated, although no crater could be found.

Work on the loop tunnel continued, with the plugging of the main breach being finished by Wedneday 6 November, the waterproofing of the disused passageway on the following day, and the construction of the new bulkhead some time after Tuesday 12 November.^[3]^[4]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 09-10/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2]This was the time an HE bomb pierced a Charing Cross mainline station platform, exploding on the road below, and putting tracks and signalling out of action.
^[3] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1940-1941, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2759]
^[4] Ministry of Transport and successors, Railway Divisions: Correspondence and Papers, Air Raid Damage - Underground Railways, 1941-1942, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference MT 6/2766]

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8/9 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-08T08:00:00.012+01:00

8/9 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago [Wed 08/09/10]

Second day/night of the London Blitz.

Enemy activity during the day was, "intermittent, with no apparent object in view," but from 19:45 until around 05:00 the next morning, the capital again came under concentrated attack - "particular attention was paid to communications, i.e. railways, roads, etc."^[1]

At 23:06 High Explosive (HE) and Incendiary Bombs fell on Wimbledon station, setting an arriving District line train on fire.^[2]

Just south of Mornington Crescent station, a cluster of three 250kg HEs landed on the junction of Harrington Square and Hampstead Road at 03:35, cratering the roadway. At this location the Northern line runs 60-75 feet (18-23 metres) directly under Hampstead Road, and the shockwaves from the bombs shook tunnel segments, knocked cables off the wall hangers, and displaced the current rails in both tunnels for a length of 75 feet (23 metres).^[3] ^[4] Traffic resumed on 11 September.^[5]

At 04:39 an HE hit Bow Road station on the East London line, blocking the track.^[6]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 08-09/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 08-09/09/40, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[3] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Registered Papers: Damage to underground railways, revised drawing 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 192/8]
^[4] Ministry of Home Security, Research and Experiments Department: Notes on damage to railway tunnels by high explosive weapons, Section 1 - Tube railways. Author Dr. EWJ Phillips, page 5 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 196/11]
^[5] 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]
^[6] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 08-09/09/40, page 5a [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]

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7/8 September 1940: The London Underground on this day 70 years ago

2010-09-07T08:00:00.011+01:00

The first day/night of the London Blitz.

In the afternoon of the 7th, 364 Luftwaffe bombers - escorted by 515 fighters - targeted the area of the docks, although many bombs fell on the surrounding residential areas. As evening fell, a second wave of 133 bombers attacked. In total 436 people were killed, and 1,666 injured. The Ministry of Home Security's Damage Appreciation the following morning stated:

"Practically the whole of the enemy effort during the last 24 hours was devoted to the attack on LONDON, with an acute concentration of the DOCK AREAS, RAILWAYS and POWER STATIONS."^[1]

Approximately twenty-four railway stations were hit in the south and east of the capital, including those on the London underground network. At around 19:00, Blackfriars District/Circle line station was hit by a High Explosive (HE) bomb, knocking out the signalling and leaving traffic, "practically at a standstill."^[2] New Cross Gate station was hit by five HEs, injuring two Southern Railway workers,^[3] one of whom - 43 year-old engine driver Richard James Shelton of Catford - died in St Giles' Hospital the following day.^[4] Five year old George Turner of Forest Gate was killed at East Ham station on the District line.^[5]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 07-08/09/40, page 1 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[2] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - September 1940: Damage Appreciation 07-08/09/40, page 4 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/2]
^[3] Brooksbank, B W L: London Mainline War Damage, page 14 [Harrow Weald: Capital Transport, 2007]
^[4] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record
^[5] Commonwealth War Graves Commission record

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It's a sign!

2010-08-29T20:07:00.004+01:00

A new addition to my Hidden City webpage is the start of a miscellany of the "guerrilla signs" and acerbic commuter messages I've spotted on public transport in London over the years, such as the one seen here, on a First Capital Connect train into Moorgate in the Summer of 2005:

There should be more to follow, once I've scanned them.

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Platforms and Demons

2010-08-20T10:31:00.006+01:00

Throughout June and August we had a photography competition at work, which meant that each person got to take the office digital SLR home for the night, hopefully to return afterwards with suitable submission of their choosing. When it came to my turn, although I'd had a few rather predicable ideas of what to photograph, I realised that it was the opportunity to capture what Claire and I had spectacularly failed to even notice at the end of October last year, when we walked the length of the former LNER and would-be Northern line trackbed between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace, now the Parkland Walk nature reserve. Once you actually know it's there, Marilyn Collins's Spriggan sculpture - in one of the arches of a retaining wall next to the former Crouch End station - is impressively obvious, but because we weren't aware of it at the time... er... we didn't!

Luckily my turn to use the camera came on a Friday, so I had the whole weekend to trek over to Crouch End, but unfortunately, when printed out and stuck on the office wall for the competition, it became clear that I'd perhaps been a bit too subtle, as most people thought I'd just taken a picture of a graffiti-covered wall. Maybe I should have used this one, then I might have made the short-list, let alone actually won!

More pictures of the former station site can be found on my Hidden City page here.

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Sloane Square station, 12 November 1940

2010-08-17T20:35:00.009+01:00

A recent edition of the Metro free newspaper included a feature on Andrew Emmerson's new book on the London Underground (imaginatively titled The London Underground, and published by Shire Library), which placed much emphasis on what it described as the "little known secrets" of the network, although the ones they chose to highlight seemed familiar enough to me. Accompanying the print version of the article was a much-previously published - although no less dramatic - photograph of the extensive damage cause to Sloane Square station when it was hit by a German bomb during the Second World War, with the caption stating that 79 people were killed in the attack.

Wartime papers held at the National Archives^[1] show that at 21:15 on 12 November 1940, a high-explosive bomb struck the ticket hall of the station, demolishing much of the canopy roof, and completely blocking the line with debris. One large chunk of concrete landed on top of a train that was just leaving the station, and two gas mains were also severed and ignited. Initial reports were that there were over 40 fatalities, yet for many years only ambiguous references to "79 casualties" were applied to the incident in various sources, such as Piers Connor's history of the District line.^[2]

In fact, an analysis of the Register of Civilian War Dead maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission reveals 37 named fatalities attributed to the incident. Thirty-five of them appear to be been killed immediately or died at the station, with the remaining two dying of their injured later in hospital. This makes it the third highest loss of life on the Underground due to direct enemy action, after the bombings of Balham (66 dead) and Bank (57 dead) in Octiber 1940 and January 1941 respectively.

Due to wartime restrictions, the attack was not mentioned directly in newspapers in the following days, although The Times of 19 November reported on bombed sites being cleared by the Royal Engineers, and included mention of what is almost certainly Sloane Square:

"Among the sites visited [by reporters] yesterday was an Underground station, the entrance offices and roof of which were shattered by a heavy bomb. Members of the R.E. were dislodging perilously hanging blocks of masonry and detatching others from steel girders by the use of electric drills, while gangs of the Pioneer Corps shovelled the debris into trucks for removal."^[3]

^[1] Ministry of Home Security, Key Points Intelligence Directorate: Reports and Papers, Daily Reports - November 1940 [Kew: National Archives, reference HO 201/4]
^[2] Connor, Piers: Going Green, page 58 [Harrow Weald: Capital Transport, 1993]
^[3] The Times, page 2 [London: 19 November 1940]

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Stalin Ate My Homework

2010-07-14T23:38:00.002+01:00

Tonight, with Claire to the Udderbelly on the South Bank to see Alexei Sayle's preview of the first volume of his memoirs, Stalin Ate My Homework.

"Very nice."

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Not forgotten

2010-07-07T08:31:00.001+01:00

[Bowes Park railway station, close to Bounds Green
Piccadilly line station, morning of 8 July 2005]

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Possibly the only time I will blog about football... ever!

2010-06-15T08:16:00.003+01:00

This is the genuine cover to the New York Post after the recent England-USA game:

This is a bit like The Sun running a headline of, "ENGLAND WINS 1-1 - Greatest tie against Germany since Dunkirk*"! Let's not even get into the whole England/Britain confusion thing....

* For non-history buffs, the Battle of Bunker Hill was a British win in the otherwise unsuccessful Seige of Boston during the American War of Independence.

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Mind that window! What window? Thud!

2010-05-20T13:51:00.009+01:00

A bit of commotion in our office in Waterloo today, when this chap managed to fly into one of the windows (12:20 BST), while being mobbed by a bunch of crows:

Anyone know what it is? He was stunned for a bit, but did eventually fly off, just as one of my colleagues was on the phone to the RSPCA!

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Not forgotten

2010-05-11T21:50:00.002+01:00

Early last year I wrote about past efforts to individually identify people who died in incidents relating to the London Underground during the Second World War, and mentioned that I had arranged for the details of one such person to be passed on to the Commonwealth War Graves Commision, as she was not included in the Register of Civilian War Dead. Today I was informed that Gladys Bessie Benbrook - who died in the bombing of Balham station on 14 October 1940 - has now been accepted as a war-related casualty, and her name included in the Register. This takes the number of identified deaths at Balham to sixty-six, the highest number in a single incident due to direct enemy action.

My thanks go to Howard Benbrook for alerting me to this omission and also supplying Miss Benbrook's death certificate, and to Terry Denham for successfully raising the case for her inclusion with the Commission.

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Down Mexico way...

2010-05-03T22:24:00.007+01:00

When I first started to actively collect items related to Things to Come, one of the first I failed to secure was one of a set of lobby cards used to promote the film in Mexico in 1947. Over the years, no other copy of the same card turned up, but in the last few months I've been lucky enough to acquire originals of five others, which can now be seen in the Publicity Material Gallery on my website. Each features a relatively high quality production still, framed alongside a stunning illustration by an unknown artist, although to describe it as an exaggeration of what actually appears in the film would be an understatement! I've also added a set of 1970s German lobby cards that I acquired very early on, but have only just got round to scanning, and a nice 1936 cigarette card featuring the film. [Disclaimer: This blog does not endorse smoking!]

I was quite surprised to realise that the last time I did an upload of TTC photographs was almost eleven months ago! I've now added another 25 images to the various sub-galleries. A number are actually the images used on the above-mentioned Mexican and German lobby cards, or otherwise from sources that are not actual original photographic prints, but are significant enough to merit inclusion. In any case, after a bit of study of the relevent UK copyright laws (i.e. until my eyes started bleeding), it's clear that all the photographs from the film are now actually in the public domain, anyway, so really anything goes....

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Sixties scenes

2010-03-07T23:29:00.013Z

A weekend almost over, and (finally) a few updates to my London Underground in Films & TV webpage, with three appearances set in the 1960s, one contemporary, two retrospective. First, in the opening episode of Adam Adamant Lives!, the titular Edwardian adventurer is frozen by his fiendish nemesis in 1902, and is revived decades later to find himself in the Swinging London of 1966, specifically Leicester Square station. Groovy.

While the previous production showed part of the Underground system exactly as it was at the time depicted, by the time of the film of The Who's Quadrophenia, it was a case of 1979 pretending to look fifteen years previously. Most of the narrative is set in the Goldhawk Road area of West London, so the station itself is visible in a couple of scenes, with Hammersmith & City line trains passing on the viaduct in two more.

Lastly, and made most recently, we have Rock & Chips, John Sullivan's long-awaited prequel to Only Fools and Horses. Set in 1960, it includes scenes purportedly at Borough station, and on a Northern line train. Three guess for what it actually is....

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Piccadilly past and present

2010-02-03T13:37:00.011Z

After a two year campaign, my local Tube station, Bounds Green, has been awarded Grade II listed building status by English Heritage. When originally opened in December 1906, the Piccadilly line only ran between Hammersmith and Finsbury Park. In the 1920s it was decided to extend the line east and northwards from Finsbury Park to Cockfosters, with seven other new stations in between. Construction took place between 1930 and 1932, with Bounds Green itself opening on 19 September 1932.

Barry Carpenter's 1992 booklet celebrating the diamond anniversary of the extension noted that when it opened, "This airiness [of the Bounds Green ticket hall], the balacing mass of the adjacent ventilation tower, and the associated shops on the station frontage must have contrasted positively with the seedy LNER station at Bowes Park, whose traffic Bounds Green was to usurp."[1]

On 13 October 1940 a single German bomb demolished houses adjacent to the station, the resultant shockwave causing the collapse of the north end of the westbound platform tunnel, causing the death of seventeen people amongst those sheltering from the air raid, and injuring many more.[2]

Although a number of other stations on the extension have long-since been listed buildings, it is only now that the historic architectural merits of Bounds Green have been "officially" recognised.

A couple of years ago, an utterly unexpected and unique birthday present from Claire was a small set of original 4¼" x 3¼" prints of photographs taken during the tunelling of the extension. Helpfully, all of them are annotated on the back in pencil, presumably by the original photographer. Although unfortunately Bounds Green does not feature in the set, there are views of the construction of one of the platform tunnels at Turnpike Lane.

The full set of photos can be seen on my "Hidden City" webpage, here.

[1] Carpenter, Barry. Piccadilly Line Extension - The Diamond Anniversary. London: Piccadilly Line (East Area), 1992 (page 19).
[2] Analysis of Casualty & Fatality figures - Bounds Green

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