[This is a work in progress online posting and represents the development of the full Chelsea Blitz research and narrative. The work is being built up in parts to cover the time line between 1939 and 1945. Thank you for your patience]
Chelsea Blitz 1940 to 1945. Part One- Preparing for war. 1939 to 1940.
Chelsea Blitz 1940 to 1945. Part Two- First raids 28th August to 9th September 1940.
Chelsea Blitz 1940 to 1945. Part Three- 10th to 14th September 1940. More death and destruction.
Will it ever be possible to adequately establish a memorial which properly remembers the civilian war dead of Chelsea in the Second World War and for that matter all the service people from Chelsea who have served in the armed forces and did not return home?
Well, I know everyone in Chelsea during times past, present and future would like to do their best.
The slideshow above illustrates the war memorial in Sloane Square and the plaque on a wall at Dovehouse Green adjacent to the registry office and opposite Chelsea Old Town Hall.
This commemorates the 457 civilian war dead. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the time of writing (30th July 2023) has records for 462 civilian war casualties in the Borough of Chelsea during World War Two. And there is a brass plaque celebrating the bravery of Chelsea chimney sweep Anthony Smith awarded a George Cross for rescuing survivors of the bombing raid at Guinness Trust buildings in the World’s End in February 1944, and Albert Littlejohn who was given a British Empire Medal.
But this does of course omit any mention of George Woodward who received the George Medal for his rescue efforts in the same incident, and the British Empire Medals awarded to Woodward and his ARP colleagues George Pitman and Wally Capon at Bramerton Street on 9th September 1940.
There is a tablet in Turk’s Row remembering the 74 US serviceman killed in the V1 attack there in July 1944, and a small plaque at Chelsea Fire Station in the King’s Road remembering firefighters who died in Chelsea during WW2 and at other times.
So many of the civilian victims of the Blitz in Chelsea were buried in municipal communal graves at Brompton Cemetery. They do not have headstones and we are sometimes talking about entire families or the subsantial part of them.
It is my intention (with the help of many Chelsea-ites) through research and writing to provide as thorough an online tribute to the casualties of the Blitz in Chelsea as well as the Borough’s service people in the conflicts of the 20th Century’s world wars as I can.
History is not just about buildings, plaques and monuments. It is fundamentally about people.
The record of all WW2 bombing incidents left to us in the archives is largely down to the conscientious and scrupulous work of Chelsea artist Jo Oakman (1900-1970) who worked in the Town Hall’s Food Office by day and, whenever needed, she served part-time as an ARP Warden mainly from the Post Don in Glebe Place.
Jo Oakman (right) wearing her ARP Warden’s helmet and attending the Air Raid shelter in Paulton’s Square Chelsea. This photograph appeared in Picture Post 26th October 1940
It has to be said, it seems she was as full-time (and unpaid) working as an air raid warden as anything she did at the Town Hall.
Jo also sketched and painted water colours and kept a diary during the War which her family donated to the Imperial War Museum. She had been brought up in Battersea, where her father was a popular and respected general practitioner based in the High Street.
She went to Clapham High School and studied at the Slade School of Art before deciding Chelsea was to be her home.
Jo Oakman World War Two water colour sketches. Click on the links to Dave Walker’s RBK&C The Library Time Machine
Chelsea Town Hall decorated for VE Day by Jo Oakman
Two paintings of the temporary bridge built for military purposes to the east of Albert Bridge:
Albert Military bridge (Chelsea side) one
Albert Military bridge (Battersea side) two
Chelsea Old Church destruction 1941
She was a lady devoted to two wheels- a pedal bicycle to get about Chelsea and a motorcycle when visiting her parents after they retired to seaside Shoreham.
Her nephew Alan Wharam did his best to transcribe the hand-written content and left a copy with the local studies centre of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Everything I have learned about Jo Oakman convinces me that she is a veritable legend of Chelsea.
I’m pretty sure I may have passed her occasionally when walking in Justice Walk and Lawrence Street as a child in the 1960s.
I was just a little boy with unruly blond hair and a big mouth who talked too much at the time and given to the Chelsea Old Church choir in the hope that controlled and disciplined singing might keep the noise down at other times.
She would have been the old lady going in an out of number 8 Justice Walk where she had her flat. She was always looking out for cats.
Jo was also known as ‘Oakie’ and described by her friend Mary Glasgow as ‘one of the last of the great Chelsea eccentrics.’ Mary lived across the Walk at number 5 and would leave her cats in Jo’s enthusiastic care though her love and generosity meant she would often overfeed them.
In 1977 she wrote to Jo Oakman’s nephew: ‘One of the most vivid pictures I have of her is of a day when I called to find her toasting, or rather charring, a crumpet over a gas ring. She was at work on a half-finished oil painting, propped up on the window-sill; her bicycle (without which she never went out) was across the fireplace, and the cat, of course, asleep on the bed.’
Mary added that during the war: ‘…she was indefatigable: always ready for any emergency, always at hand with tea-pot or hot-water-bottle, always even-tempered, and of course immensely courageous during raids. She was one of those people who came into their own during the war.’
Leslie Matthews was the full-time Chief Warden at Post Don and wrote after the war that Jo Oakman’s work ‘was done almost entirely outside the [Warden’s] Post, pedalling round the area dodging shell casing fragments or watching raids develop from the rooftop. Everyone knew Jo, she was friends with practically every inhabitant of the area; her local knowledge was always useful and sometimes invaluable … she had drawn up her own code …She deserved official recognition simply for the colossal total of hours she spent on duty going round and showing all the time that the Wardens were on the job. ‘
He added: ‘As I recall her she was very rarely still; trotting off on some errand with short intoeing steps, warm quizzical grin which could speak volumes. Upsetting ‘Authority’ occasionally by filling paraffin lamps on tables meant for preparation of food, or sleeping under the tennis table when it was needed for relaxation; generous to a fault. At one point her superiors in the Food Office tried hard to get her transferred to the full time Warden Service, where she spent so much of her time anyway, but she continued to get her own way.’
The following database is compiled from Jo Oakman’s ‘Bomb Incidents in date order Chelsea 28-8-40 to 3-1-45’, ‘Bomb Incidents in street order compiled from ARP Control Cards & Survey Reports of War Damage held in the Licensing Office of Chelsea Borough Council 4 June 1949’, the records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Mortuary Records of Chelsea Borough Council during the Second World War, Google Maps, Satellite images and Street view by embedding, and myriad other sources of books, memoirs and magazine and newspaper publications.
This online page intersects with links to much more detailed narratives of individual incidents for the Chelsea History and Studies resource which seek to provide the wider social history context of individual streets and their community memories.
Another important tribute must be paid to Alan Wharam and his wife for taking so much trouble to prepare and curate Jo Oakham’s unique diary and archive of an artist recording, drawing and painting the Blitz in Chelsea between 1940 and 1945.
If anyone visiting recognises any mistakes, I would be very grateful to hear from you by way of comment so I can correct them. If you are related to anyone referred to and would like to add information and images to enrich and enlighten their memory and contribution to the life, times and community of Chelsea feel free to contact me by way of the comment facilities and I will do my best to honour them as well as I can.
The Chelsea Borough Council control room at the Town Hall in the King’s Road recorded false alarms and when these have been cited in the bomb incident reports, these have been included along with the correction.
It is difficult to appreciate the terrible noise and confusion that multiple bomb explosions caused combined with rapid anti-aircraft fire.
Chelsea was one of the smallest Boroughs in Britain and anyone following the trail of incidents in the present day will be able to understand how close, for example, a parachute mine exploding on the Embankment could be heard and felt in the King’s Road.
‘Casualties’ includes people injured, treated at first aid posts, taken to hospital, and those who sadly died. Those killed have been given their full Commonwealth War Graves Commission citation along with any further relevant biographical information available from the 1939 Register, previous censuses, Chelsea Borough Council mortuary records, diaries and memoirs, information provided by descendants, and newspaper archives.
There are bombing incidents recorded which stray into the neighbouring Boroughs of Fulham, Westminster and Kensington. This is usually because injured victims were taken to hospitals in Chelsea (usually St Luke’s, Chelsea Cancer Hospital [now Royal Marsden] Brompton Hospital for consumption and chest diseases, Chelsea Hospital for Women and St Stephens) where they died.
Sometimes incidents, particularly incendiary bombs, were not recorded by the Wardens, but became subject to repair claims. These have been listed and explained under the separate heading between 1940 and 1941 of ‘Incidents recorded during between September 1940 and May 1941 but not given a specific date.’
A google map embed may be historical where in recent years there has been the demolition of a building which had been standing between 1939 and 1945.
There would be three major evacuations of children from Chelsea and other parts of London during WW2. From 1st September 1939 to September 1940 there was a ‘phoney war’ with no air-raids on London. Consequently, many children returned to their London homes.
The first evacuation ‘mobilised’ on the day Germany invaded Poland- two days before the famous speech by Neville Chamberlain on BBC radio formally declaring war on Germany 3rd September 1939.
The outbreak of the intensive Blitz from September 7th 1940 not surprisingly led to a second evacuation.
Evacuees of the Second World War- Operation Pied Piper. Imperial War Museum feature
After the heavy raid of May 10th 1941 and Germany’s invasion of Russia, there were much fewer and only sporadic air raids – the worst on West Chelsea 22nd February 1944.
Many children returned to be with their families in London.
But, the deadly attacks by V1 and V2 missiles from June 12th 1944 resulted in a third evacuation until the last V2 attack on Hughes Mansions in Stepney March 25th 1945 and a V1 attack in Orpington on the same day.
Marlborough School children from their Draycott and Sloane Avenue building being escorted across the King’s Road by the famous ‘Moon’s Garage’ (later renamed ‘Blue Star’) in the ground floor and basement of Whitelands House during an ARP evacuation drill and experiment June 13th 1939.
Marlborough was then an elementary school teaching children up to the age of 14. After the enactment of 1944 (Butler) Education Act, it became a Primary School for children up to the age of 11. This was the school which the author attended between 1964 and 1970.
This location at the junction of the King’s Road and Walpole Street is shown below in the Google Street viewpoint from 2008 by which time Moon’s Garage was no more.
An earlier photograph taken of the Marlborough School group crossing Cheltenham Terrace by the Duke of York’s Headquarters features in the outstanding ‘The Library Time Machine’ online blog by RBK&C librarian Dave Walker on this link: https://rbkclocalstudies.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/arp-exercise-1939-031.jpg The contemporary Google street view-point is below.
It should also be noted that those people with second homes in the country and with the economic means to stay in hotels and boarding houses would often take advantage of these privileges during WW2.
This is why the population of the borough dropped substantially by about 20,000. It also means many more houses were left locked up and empty.
Between September 7th 1939 and the middle of May 1941 there was a regular exodus of the more affluent residents to the country at weekends, though it can also be said that would be the normal mode of living for many of them even before the War- town living during the week for work and country home and estate at weekends.
British Pathé news report on evacuating the children of London in early September 1939 after the German Nazi regime’s invasion of Poland.
Escaping the Blitz documentary- oral histories on evacuation from London during WW2 (made in 2020) (There was input into the project by the legendary Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council local studies librarian and historian Dave Walker)
This online resource is still being constructed and added to so remains a work of progress until sign-posted as completed.
28th August 1940.
Burton[s] Court. Two high explosive bombs. One unexploded bomb.
4th September 1940.
28 Lowndes Square. Unexploded anti-aircraft shell.
7th September 1940
River Thames off Flood Street. Two high explosive bombs.
8th September 1940
27 Pont Street. High explosive bomb.
37 Pont Street. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Barracks. Incendiary bomb.
108 Pavilion Road. High explosive bomb.
22 Cadogan Square. High explosive bomb.
2 Cadogan Square. High explosive bomb.
33 Pont Street. High explosive bomb.
5 Shafto Mews. High explosive bomb.
Moravian Close. Oil bomb.
Royal Hospital. False report of an unexploded bomb.
Civilian Casualty
57 year old Thomas Robert Eells of 733 Wandsworth Road, Clapham died at the Brompton Hospital for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest from injuries received as a result of enemy action at Victoria Railway Station.
Mr Eells had been caught up in Westminster’s first major Blitz attack just after 11 p.m. on Saturday night 7th September. A stick of five high explosive bombs fell in the vicinity of Victoria Station and Victoria Street just after closing time in the pubs. Four of them detonated on the Victoria Station buildings. People were killed and wounded and this was the West End’s first experience of the ghastly smell of smashed and powdered plaster, brick and fractured coal gas mains and the scree of shattered glass across pavements and roads.
Victoria Station front concourse during the Blitz of 1940
Vauxhall Bridge Road and Buckingham Palace Road had been full of people waiting to pick up the late night buses and trams- many in the direction of neighbouring Chelsea. These included the number 11 and 39 buses. Saturday night was consequently filled with the cacophony of ambulance, stretcher and rescue vehicles and the cries of the wounded and injured emanating from the wreckage of large parts of Victoria Station.
A 6,000 volt electrical cable at Smith Square had been severed. The breaking up of London’s power infrastructure was an early education on how to repair quickly and effectively water, gas and electricity supplies.
Inside Victoria Station October 1940- roof damaged by high explosive bombs and signs telling passengers where to go in the event of another air raid.
The rescue work through the early hours of Sunday morning 8th September had been mostly carried out in hand-held torch-light. For stretcher and ambulance workers, many of them women, this was a bracing initiation into the carnage of Blitz killings- one or two reported being physically sick back at the depot after the night’s work was done.
9th September 1940
22, 23, 24 and 25 South Parade. High explosive bomb. Much damage and casualties.
Civilian deaths
16 year old Charles Merrick Wilson, a printer’s clerk of 23 South Parade. Son of Mrs. Alison Wilson, a widow and usherette who was 40 years old. Died at 7 South Parade.
15 year old Joan Rosalind May Plowright, a librarian of 23 South Parade. Daughter of painter Robert G. Plowright and Josephine Whippe (Plowright). Injured at 23 South Parade; died same day at St. Lukes Hospital.
15 year old Betty Jean Bennett. Daughter of Florence Jane Chown (formerly Bennett), of 13 Delaford Street, Fulham, and of the late Arthur Bennett. Died at 23 South Parade.
King’s Court North. High explosive bomb.
Mallord Street. Oil bomb.
King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
Milman’s Street. High explosive bomb.
Beaufort Street. Convent. High explosive bomb.
Beaufort House, King’s Road. Oil bomb.
Beaufort Street, Mulberry Close. High explosive.
Beaufort Steet, Cadogan House. High explosive bomb on air raid shelter.
See the detailed narrative for all the Beaufort Street incidents in the Beaufort Street posting
Civilian Casualties at Cadogan House air raid shelter, Beaufort Street
Maureen Gurney, 10 weeks old, of 11 Cadogan House
Jean Gurney, 3 years old, of 11 Cadogan House
Phyllis Muriel Gurney, 24 years old of 11 Cadogan House (Robert Walter Gurney either survived the bombing or was not in the shelter at the time. He had the heart-rending responsibility of identifying his wife and two infant daughters.)
Ellen Dennis, 58 years old, a housewife of 41 Cadogan House
Frederick (known as Fred) Dennis, 58 years old, motor cab washer of 41 Cadogan House
Henry Charles Jeremy, 17 years old, commercial clerk working for music publishers of 65 Cadogan House
Hetty Ray Jeremy, 21 years old, a dress-maker/milliner of 65 Cadogan House
Emma Eliza Jeremy, 55 years old, a widow of 65 Cadogan House
Agnes Holland, 63 years old, a widow of Walter Holland resident of 48 Cadogan House
Eric Walter Holland, 21 years old, a bank clerk by profession and at the time of his death a private soldier in the Royal Army Pay Corps. Resident of 48 Cadogan House and son of Agnes and Walter Holland. He has a CWG Commission military headstone in the Brompton Cemetery with the inscription ‘Rest In Peace.’
Frederick James Waller, 46 years old, an employee of Harrods of 45 Cadogan House
Bertha Waller, 40 years old, of 45 Cadogan House
Selina Sarah Allen, 78 years old, an old age pensioner of 15 Cadogan House
Edith Gilbert, 42 years old of 44 Cadogan House
Doreen Ivy Edwards, 13 years old and daughter of H J S Edwards War Reserve Police Constable of 72 Cadogan House
Ivy Elsie Edwards, 39 years old, housewife of 72 Cadogan House
Henry John Samuel Edwards, 38 years old, War Reserve Police Constable of 72 Cadogan House. Henry had been a leatherworker before becoming a War Reserve police officer. He was the son of Samuel John and Emily Annie Edwards living at number 1 Cadogan House, Beaufort Street.
Susan Jesser, 76 years old pensioner of 35 Cadogan House
Thomas Frederick Jesser, 70 years old, pensioner of 35 Cadogan House
Alfred England, 38 years old, contractor’s labourer in Public Works Water Company of 37 Cadogan House. Alfred was in the ARP trained in gas decontamination.
Violet England, 34 years old, housewife of 37 Cadogan House
Mary Nora Mitchell, 17 years old, school pupil, of 17 Cadogan House
William John Mitchell, 54 years old, a carpenter and joiner of 17 Cadogan House. Son of Mary Ann Mitchell, of 51 Brampton Park Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. William Mitchell was also an ARP Warden trained in first aid.
Margaret Mary Mitchell, 48 years old, housewife of 17 Cadogan House
Norah Rowena Bains, 59 years old, a Church Sister of 34 Cadogan House. Daughter of Charles William and Anne Isobella Bains, of Dursley, Gloucestershire. Norah was also in the ARP reserve. Elizabeth Ann Gould, 67 years old, housewife of 61 Cadogan House
William James Gould, 70 years old, pensioner of 61 Cadogan House
Helen Litchfield, 70 years old, pensioner of 43 Cadogan House. Widow of W. J. Litchfield.
Lavinia Rosina Dowsey, 99 years old, pensioner of 19 Cadogan House. Widow of J. Dowsey.
Frank Murton, 32 years old, warehouseman’s assistant of 60 Cadogan House. Son of Charles Cracknell Murton, and E. Murton, of Aspal Cottage, Aspal Lane, Besk Row Common, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Gladys Murton, 32 years old, housewife of 60 Cadogan House. Daughter of John James and Alice Rebecca Read, of 56 Cadogan House.
Ada Ellen Lowe, 27 years old, housewife, of 52 Cadogan House. Wife of Reginald John Lowe.
Elizabeth Bowley, 40 years old, housewife of 33 Cadogan House. Wife of Wilfrid Thomas Bowley. Wilfred who was also forty years old and a shop assistant by day was most likely on duty that night in the Auxiliary Fire Service.
William George Seers, 68 years old, pensioner and retired taxi driver of 9 Cadogan House
Rose Harriet Seers, 69 years old, pensioner of 9 Cadogan House
Frank William Seers, 28 years old, gas fitter of 48A Tregunter Road, West Brompton
Ethel Mary Hodgson, 68 years old, domestic cook, of 54 Cadogan House
Dorothy Eileen Forster, 35 years old of 13 Cadogan House. Wife of William John Forster.
Adelaide Reid, 45 years old, daily maid of 38 Cadogan House. Daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Reid.
Jean Darling B A, 34 years old, A.R.P Warden of Mulberry Close, Chelsea, also of The Old Rectory, Trimley, near Felixstowe and Ipswich, Suffolk. Daughter of Jane Baird Darling, of The Old Rectory, Trimley, and of the late Austin Major Darling.
Emily Eliza Huntley, 56 years old, of 32 Cadogan House. Wife of C. H. Huntley
Cecilie May Steggles, 32 years old of 40 Cadogan House. Daughter of Emily Alice, and of the late G. Steggles.
Mabel Grace Clarke, 49 years old of 47 Cadogan House. Widow of Charles Edwin Clarke, D.C.M.
Florence Evelyn Brooks, 42 years old and daughter of Alfred Horace and Florence Kate Brooks, of 55 Beaufort Mansions, Beaufort Street. Died at Cadogan House Shelter.
Florence Elizabeth Tomlin, 75 years old of 59 Cadogan House
Walter Frederick Curzon, 29 years old of 55 Beaufort Mansions, Beaufort Street. He was killed in the Cadogan House shelter along with his wife. He was the son of Frederick Henry and Elsie Marguerite Curzon, of 16 Bramfield Road, Wandsworth Common.
Olive Phyllis Curzon, 31 years old of 55 Beaufort Mansions, Beaufort Street. She was the daughter of Alfred Horace and Florence Kate Brooks, of Speldhurst, Second Avenue, Wickford, Essex.
Kathleen Elizabeth Martin, 13 years old of 17 Chelsea Manor Buildings, Flood Walk. She died in the Cadogan House shelter and was the daughter of Sydney William and Winifred Bessie Martin.
Percy Alexander Cobby, 38 years old of 21 Langton Street who died at St Luke’s Hospital, Sydney Street on 15th September 1940 from the injuries he received in Beaufort Street on 9th September. He was the husband of Evelyn I. Cobby.
Declaration by Coroner that Jane McKee, 75 years old of 10 Cadogan House died in the street shelter bombing on 9th September 1940. She had not been seen or heard of since she was last spotted in the shelter on the night of 7th September 1940.
At Beaufort House
Jessie Alan Izat, 60 years old, a Red Cross nurse of 12 Beaufort House, Beaufort Street. She was the daughter of Dr. John Crerar and Catherine Crerar, of Maryport, Cumberland; widow of Capt. Alan Izat, R.E.
At Winchester House
Robert Samuel Chambers, who was 16, and lived at 17 Winchester House had been injured at the Winchester air raid shelter and died the same day at St Luke’s Hospital in Sydney Street. Robert had been working as a junior clerk with the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.
Silent film of army and civilian ambulances and stretcher bearers attending to injured victims of the blitz in London in 1940
23/55 Walton Street. Unexploded bomb- not confirmed.
37 Cadogan Place. High explosive bomb.
Swan Court, Chelsea Manor Street. High explosive bomb.
14 St Leonards Terrace. High explosive bomb.
33 Smith Street. High explosive bomb.
2, 4, and 6 Bramerton Street. High explosive bomb.
See detailed narrative of the incident in the Bramerton Street posting.
Casualties in Bramerton Street during the Second World War
Gertrude Castillo, 51 years old of 4 Bramerton Street, wife of Dr. Richard Castillo
47 year old Lily Fox, wife of L. C. Fox. Died at 6 Bramerton Street
3 Smith Street. Unexploded bomb, though turned out to be false report.
Wellington Square. Unexploded bomb. False report.
10th September 1940
Paultons Square trenches. Unexploded bomb. False report.
Sloane Square top of Lower Sloane Street. Incendiary bomb.
Sloane Street opposite Holy Trinity Church. Incendiary bomb.
Nell Gwynn House, Sloane Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
Rawlings Street. Incendiary bomb.
73 Pont Street. High explosive bomb.
519 and 529 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
Civilian Casualties
Ronald Leslie Peters, 10 years old. Son of Alfred Leslie and Mary Peters, of 105 Lots Road. Died at 523 King’s Road.
57 year old Elizabeth Shepherd. Wife of Frederick Shepherd, of 32 Meek Street. Injured 10 September 1940, at King’s Road; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
Sandra Valerie Shepherd, 5 months old . Daughter of Frederick Charles and Winifred Shepherd, of 15A Ashburnham Road. Died at King’s Road.
58 year old Thomas Bradin of 523 King’s Road. Injured 10 September 1940, at 523 King’s Road; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital 20th September 1940.
104 Sloane Street. Incendiary bomb.
187 Pavilion Road. Incendiary bomb.
Connie Evans- Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner and WW2 anti-aircraft gunner on ‘Defending Britain From German Air Attacks | WW2: I Was There’
11th September 1940
Cheyne Walk and Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
Cheyne Row. Incendiary bomb.
Battersea Bridge. Incendiary bomb.
94 and 96 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Danvers Street and Petyt Place. Incendiary bomb.
Beaufort Street at Kingsley House. Incendiary bomb.
Dartrey Road. (now World’s Estate) Incendiary bomb.
King’s Road at St Mark’s College. High explosive bomb.
45 year old Mary Ann Ferguson. Wife of William Robert Ferguson, of 19 Tetcott Road. Injured at King’s Road; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
King’s Road end Edith grove. Oil bomb.
King’s Road. Guinness Trust Buildings. Incendiary bomb.
Beaufort Street and Cheyne Walk. Unexploded anti-aircraft shell.
38 Blantyre Street. Unexploded incendiary bomb.
Stella Clarke Caught In A Bombing Raid During The Blitz | WW2: I Was There
Beaufort Mansions. Unexploded incendiary bomb.
Cheyne Walk at the Cremorne Arms. Unexploded incendiary bomb.
Milman’s Street. Casual Ward. Incendiary bomb.
5 to 7 and 11 to 13 Edith Terrace. Unexploded bomb.
Living On Rations In The Second World War | WW2: I Was There
12th September 1940
Edith Grove 16a and b. High explosive bomb.
4 Tetcott Road. High explosive bomb
Casualty and Civilian Death
Frederick Andrew Hagger, 2 years old. Son of Doris May Hagger, of 96 Halford Road, and of Frederick George William Hagger. Injured at Buckler’s Alley, Fulham; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital. (He is also listed in the civilian war deaths maintained by Fulham Borough Council.)
13th September 1940
Chelsea Manor Street, post office. Oil bomb.
Chelsea Manor Street, Gaumont Cinema. High explosive bomb.
Sydney Street, St Luke’s Churchyard. High explosive bomb.
Cale Street and Guthrie Street. Unexploded bomb.
10 Ormonde Gate. Anti-aircraft shell.
Cheyne Court. Unexploded bomb.
Flood Street, Chelsea Manor Buildings. High explosive bomb.
Civilian Casualties
63 year old Hilda Burden of 12 Chelsea Manor Buildings. Widow of A. N. Burden. Died at Chelsea Manor Street.
63 year old Kathleen Ray of 15 Chelsea Manor Buildings, Flood Street. Died at Chelsea Manor Buildings.
19 year old Kitty Ray of 15 Chelsea Manor Buildings, Flood Street. Daughter of Kathleen Ray. Died at Chelsea Manor Buildings.
68 year old Elizabeth Cecilia Peters of 39 Upcerne Road. Widow of S. Peters. Died at Chelsea Manor Buildings.
44 year old Kathleen Jane Cronin Wife of G. A. Cronin, of 80 Walton Street, Kensington. Died at Cheyne Court, Chelsea Manor Street.
44 year old Laura Shepherd Wife of Herbert Shepherd, of 15A Peabody Buildings, Manor Street. Injured at Peabody Buildings; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
Radnor Walk, Embankment. High explosive bomb. False report.
Redesdale Street. High explosive bomb.
Elystan Street and Ixworth Place. Incendiary bomb.
Fulham Road, Thurloe Court. Incendiry bomb.
9 Jubilee Place. Unexploded bomb.
50/52 Lower Sloane Street. Incendiary bomb.
Burtons Court Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
Shawfield Street. Incendiary bomb.
Royal Hospital. Incendiary bomb.
Sloane Square. Incendiary bomb.
Sloane Terrace Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
14th September 1940
10 Sloane Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Junction of Sloane Street and Pont Street. Incendiary bomb.
Chesham Street at the Lowndes Arms. Incendiary bomb.
Junction of Sydney Street and Cale Street. High explosive bomb.
Sydney Street at St Luke’s Church. Oil bomb.
34 Lower Sloane Street. Incendiary bomb.
Holbein Place. Incendiary bomb.
Duke of Yorks Headquarters. Incendiary bomb.
Junction of Lawrence Street and Justice Walk. High explosive bomb.
1 Stadium Street. Oil bomb.
Beaufort Street at More’s Gardens. High explosive bomb.
19 The Vale. High explosive bomb. Damage and casualties.
5 to 7 Upper Cheyne Row and Holy Redeemer Church. High explosive bombs.
Civilian Casualties
Margaret Helen Joyce Fisher, 44 years old, Chelsea A.R.P. (in 1939), daughter of a high court judge, of 88 Oakley Street. Died at Carlyle Laundry, Cheyne Road. Left an estate of £211.
Margaret Patricia Makin, 30 years old, a comptometer operator (key-driven mechanical calculator) of 2 Key House, Glebe Place. Daughter of Thomas J. and Nellie Makin, of 5 Brocco Bank, Sheffield. Died at Carlyle Laundry, Upper Cheyne Row.
Martha Page, 55 years old, a Shelter Marshall; of 15 Lawrence Street. Widow of C. Page. Died at Carlyle Laundry, Upper Cheyne Row.
Minnie Wilson, 44 years old, of Mulberry House, The Vale. A parlourmaid employed by Captain Cecil Harcourt at Mulberry House, The Vale. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, of 52 Parkfield Avenue, Northampton. Died at Carlyle Laundry, Upper Cheyne Row.
Adolphus Birkenruth, 84 years old, of 23 Cheyne Row. Died at 23 Cheyne Row.
40 year old Minnie Keating Wife of T. G. Keating, of 9 Bramerton Street. Injured at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Cheyne Row; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
29 year old Muriel Mary Howell. (née Muriel Mary Simpson) A fashion artist and designer, wife of Leslie Frank Howell, a police officer with the City of London Police of 3 Key House, Glebe Place. Died at Cheyne Row. They had married only weeks earlier.
38 year old Eleanor Foxall Driver in the London Ambulance Service; of 4 Key House, Cheyne Row. Daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor Foxall, of The Leys, Oaksway, Gayton, Heswall, Cheshire. Died at Cheyne Row.
Three residents of Key House 39/40 Glebe Place died in the bombing of the crypt shelter at the Church of the Holy Redeemer.
Pacha Randell, 72 years old, widowed and retired caretaker of 14 Lawrence Street. Died at Cheyne Row.
Edward Constans, 65 years old, A.R.P. Warden, of 53 Edith Grove. Husband of Mary Alicia Victoria (Cissie) Constans. Injured 14 September 1940, at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Cheyne Row; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
Mary Alicia Victoria (known as Cissie) Constans, 70 years old, of 53 Edith Grove. Wife of Edward Constans. Died at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Cheyne Row.
46 year old Albert George Thorpe, A.R.P. Warden of 31 Smith Street. Son of the late Joseph and Harriet Thorpe. Died at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Cheyne Row.
Alice Walkley, 73 years old, a needle-worker of 27 Cheyne Row. Injured in Crypt of the Church of the Holy Redeemer, Cheyne Row; died same day at Hospital for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest.
52 year old Mabel Edith Price-Jones An interior decorator of 5 Upper Cheyne Row. Wife of Edgar Price-Jones. Died at 5 Upper Cheyne Row. Mabel Edith Price-Jones is believed to have been the author of the illustrated volume of poems titled ‘Chelsea Charm’ under the nom-de-plume Peter Garrell. When researching this bombing incident it upset me to learn that the bodies of both Mabel and her daughter Eileen were completely destroyed in the explosion which killed them.
When I discovered that Mabel had been responsible for the delight and dignity of all the poetry going into the Chelsea Charm publication of 1931, this made me all the more determined that the memory of her and her daughter is given much more prominence and commemoration. The cover and first poem of her beautiful book below is just the beginning of this endeavour.
Eileen Price-Jones, 24 years old, a secretary of 5 Upper Cheyne Row. Daughter of Edgar Price-Jones, and of Mabel Edith Price-Jones. Died at 5 Upper Cheyne Row.
Dr. Randolph Lea Grosvenor, 73 years old, M.A., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., King Albert’s Medal with Bar; Medical Practitioner of 75 Oakley Street. Son of the late Dr. George Fox Grosvenor and Eliza Frances Grosvenor. Died at 5 Upper Cheyne Row.
Edward Moberley Grosvenor, 66 years old, a retired shipping freight manager of 75 Oakley Street. Son of the late Dr. George Fox Grosvenor and Eliza Frances Grosvenor. Died at 5 Upper Cheyne Row. The death of these two brothers would lead to a major legal precedent on probate about whose will is valid and takes precedence when two siblings die at the same time.
70 year old Elizabeth Sarah Parke of 75 Oakley Street. Daughter of the late J. Parke. Died at 5 Upper Cheyne Row.
Mary Alice Buchanan, 62 years old, of 15E Peabody Buildings, Lawrence Street. Daughter of George and Mary Reid, of Dublin, Irish Republic; widow of Robert Buchanan. Died at Upper Cheyne Row.
Robert George Buchanan, 31 years old, welder of 15E Peabody Buildings, Lawrence Street. Son of Mary Alice, and of the late Robert Buchanan. Died at Upper Cheyne Row.
Julie Veronica Manners, 39 years old, Wife of Hubert John Victor Manners, of 9 Cheyne Row. Died at Royal Cancer Hospital.
Mary Ellen Sherbourne, 60 years old, a housekeeper of 22 Cheyne Row. Died at Carlyle Laundry, Cheyne Row.
Burtons Court. Unexploded bomb.
Chelsea old station. High explosive bomb.
59 Oakley Gardens. Unexploded bomb.
12 to 14 Chelsea Park Gardens. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Polytechnic in Manresa Road. High explosive bomb.
Oakley Street at the King’s Road end. High explosive bomb.
Carlyle Square. Inside. Incendiary bomb.
Alan Dart Surviving the Blitz in London and Brighton | WW2: I Was There
Cadogan Avenue at the Royal Engineers dump. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Manor Buildings.
4 to 6 Lacland Place. High explosive bomb.
470 King’s Road, rear of Lamont Road. Oil bomb.
Sutton Dwellings in Cale Street. High explosive bomb.
King’s Road at Hoopers Yard. High explosive bomb.
Lots Road at the Reliance Rubber Company. Oil bomb.
52 Paultons Square. Unexploded bomb.
Movietone’s voiced report on the beginning of the London Blitz September 1940
73 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
48 Royal Avenue. High explosive bomb.
Peabody Buildings in Chelsea Manor Street. High explosive bomb.
9 Mulberry Walk. High explosive bomb.
Apollo Street at Macnamara House. High explosive bomb.
100 Cheyne Walk. Unexploded oil bomb.
1 to 8 Beaufort Mansions. Unexploded oil bomb.
Junction of Limerston Street and Lamont Road. Unexploded oil bomb.
345 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
350 King’s Road at the Carlyle Garage. High explosive bomb.
25 Milmans Street. Oil bomb.
401 King’s Road at the junction of Riley Street. High explosive bomb.
British Pathé news report on ‘What To Do In An Air Raid’ 1940
15th September 1940
370 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
Hacking Garage in Manresa Road. High explosive bomb.
Oakley Street at rear of number 83. High explosive bmob.
16th September 1940
112 Edith Grove. Fire- not raid damage.
99 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
Junction of Cranmer Court and Sloane Avenue. High explosive bomb.
Junction of Marins Street and Sloane Avenue. Unexploded bomb.
95 Walton Street. High explosive bomb. Damage and casualties.
106 Draycott Avenue. High explosive bomb.
Civilian Casualty
Florence Agnes Donaldson, 14 years old. A schoolgirl. Daughter of Sarah and William Donaldson, of 24P Sutton Dwellings. Died at the Brompton Hospital for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest.
17th September 1940
18 Godfrey Street. Incendiary bomb.
37 St Lukes Street. Incendiary bomb.
85 King’s Road. Oil bomb.
Royal Hospital. High explosive.
British Pathé/Gaumont news report on London enduring the Blitz including the King and Queen in September 1940
Civilian Casualty
73 year old Helen Elizabeth Drake. A retired coal merchants clerk and daughter of S. Drake, of 74 Archel Road, Fulham Died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
18th September 1940
94 Old Church Street. Unexploded bomb.
53 Riley Street. Incendiary bomb.
29 Riley Street at the T53 Ambulance Station. Incendiary bomb.
Junction of Cheyne Walk and Albert Bridge. Incendiary bomb.
Paultons Square. Incendiary bomb. (No incident)
Royal Hospital. Incendiary bomb. (No incident)
20 Bramerton Street and King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Hobury Street. Incendiary bomb.
14 The Vale. Incendiary bombs.
19th September 1940
Royal Raid Visit 19th September 1940: King George VI (1895 – 1952) and Queen Elizabeth (1900 – 2002) talking to local residents of a bomb damaged area of West London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
King’s Road at Carlyle Garage. Incendiary bomb.
2 Embankment Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
29 Chelsea Park Gardens. High explosive bomb.
13 Chelsea Embankment. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Basin. Unexploded bomb.
89 Sloane Street Mansions in the garden. Anti-aircraft shell.
British Pathé news report 1940 on doing the job well when building air defence at home. ‘When you take cover be covered!’
20th September 1940
Chelsea Manor Buildings. High explosive bomb.
18 Mulberry Walk. High explosive bomb.
52 Elm Park Road. High explosive bomb.
Junction of Flood Street and St Loo Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
217 King’s Road, High explosive bomb.
24 to 26 Elm Park Gardens. Unexploded oil bomb.
Scothorns Garage in Lots Road. High explosive bomb.
102 to 104 Beaufort Street. High explosive bomb.
Cheyne Court. Incendiary bomb.
Carlyle Square. High explosive bomb.
5 to 6 Oakley Street. High explosive bomb.
Christchurch Street. Incendiary bomb.
4 Redburn Street. High explosive bomb.
Kings Court South. High explosive bomb.
Civilian Casualty
Police War Reserve Constable Ernest Christopher George Valentine Taylor. 34 years old and husband of Mrs. Dorothy Diana Taylor, of 2 Derby Street, Westminster. Died at Hans Court, Hans Road. PC Taylor was attached to Chelsea Police station. During an air-raid and while on duty, he jumped from a fire-escape to avoid falling shapnel and died from a head injury. His last words were ‘Look Out!’
22nd September 1940
Civilian Casualties
39 year old Margaret May Fiander of 26 Purser’s Cross Road, Fulham. Daughter of Kathleen Garratt; wife of bus driver Frank Fiander. Injured at 26 Purser’s Cross Road; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
67 year old Kathleen Garratt of 26 Purser’s Cross Road, Fulham. A retired ‘O.A.P.’Widow of J. Garratt. Injured at 26 Purser’s Cross Road; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
23rd September 1940
Junction of Chelsea Embankment and Chelsea Bridge. Unexploded bomb.
24th September 1940
Walton Street. Incendiary bomb.
Peabody Buildings in Lawrence Street. Incendiary bomb.
5 Mulberry Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Trenches in Paultons Square. Incendiary bomb.
Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
Cygnet House in the King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
St Luke’s Church. Incendiary bomb.
Harrods Depository between Sloane Avenue and Draycott Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
Jubilee Cottage in Jubilee Place. Incendiary bomb.
99 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Glebe Place. Incendiary bomb.
Six Bells pub in King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Wray House in Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
3 Britten Street. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Library in Manresa Road. Incendiary bomb.
66 Pont Street. Incendiary bomb.
44 Cadogan Square. Incendiary bomb.
Mulberry Close in Beaufort stret. Incendiary bomb.
Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
Apple Tree House, The Vale. Incendiary bomb.
Beaufort Street opposite King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
15 Mallord Street. Incendiary bomb.
35 Pavilion Road. Incendiary bomb.
Pont Street. Incendiary bomb.
Lennox Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Basil Mansions, Basil Street. Incendiary bomb.
13 The Vale. Incendiary bombs.
25th September 1940
Junction of Walton Street and Ixworth Place. Incendiary bombs.
32 Beaufort Mansions, Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
Park Walk Schools. Incendiary bomb.
407 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
60 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
The Victoria Club, Gertrude Street.
91 Edith Grove. Incendiary bomb.
Studios, Moravian Close. Incendiary bomb.
Knightsbridge Chambers. Incendiary bomb.
22 Cadogan Place. Unexploded bomb.
Civilian Casualty
34 year old Thomas Long ,plasterer labourer, of 146 Bishops Road. Son of L. Long, of 1A Riley Street; husband of Ruby Lilian Long and father of 4 year old Patricia. Injured 25 September 1940, at 146 Bishop’s Road; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
50 year old Annie Perrin Manageress of Off license, daughter of Robert W. and Sarah Emery; wife of George Perrin, of 139 Munster Road, Fulham. Injured 25 September 1940, at her shop and home,139 Munster Road; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
26th September 1940
Junction of Tetcott Road and King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
27th September 1940
99 Elm Park Gardens. High explosive bomb.
20 Chesham Place. Anti-aircraft shell.
Guinness Trust Buildings in Draycott Avenue. High explosive bomb.
Cadogan Place Gardens. High explosive bomb.
81 Cadogan Gardens. High explosive bomb
150, 152, 191, 192, 201 Pavilion Road. High explosive bomb.
Catholic Church in Cadogan Street.
28th September 1940
19 to 25 Edith Grove. High explosive bomb.
10 Edith Terrace. High explosive bomb.
Civilian Casualties (21 to 23 Edith Grove 27th/28th September 1940)
26 year old Jean Flora Wicks Tobacconist’s assistant of 21 Edith Grove, Fulham. Daughter of Charles Dennis Wicks. Injured 27 September 1940, at 21 Edith Grove; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
25 year old Iris Gertrude May Chisholm of 21 Edith Grove. Daughter of Gertrude Osman, of 4 Fawcett Street, and of the late Charles Osman; wife of William Joseph Chisholm. Injured 28 September 1940, at 21 Edith Grove; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
33 year old William Joseph Chisholm, Engineer and surveyor serving in the Home Guard; of 21 Edith Grove. Son of William Chisholm, of 485 Cathedral Street, Glasgow; husband of Iris Gertrude May Chisholm. Died at 21 Edith Grove.
Ann Harper, 65 years old. Nurse and householder’s assistant of 21 Edith Grove. Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Harper, of Angus, Scotland. Died at 21 Edith Grove.
Ronald Stuart Mackenzie, 58 years old, Stockbroker by profession and serving in the Royal Observer Corps; of 21 Edith Grove. Son of the late Col. J. S. F. Mackenzie, and Mrs. Stuart Mackenzie, of The Bungalow, Pirbright, Surrey; husband of R. S. Mackenzie. Died at 21 Edith Grove.
66 year old Ethel Kate Hake of 23 Edith Grove. Widow of Henry S. Hake. Died at 23 Edith Grove.
35 year old Barbara Kate Hake A commercial clerk of 23 Edith Grove. Daughter of Ethel Kate Hake, and of the late Henry S. Hake. Died at 23 Edith Grove.
67 year old Harry Taylor Newsagents’ assistant and husband of Annie Taylor. Died at 23 Edith Grove.
76 year old Annie Taylor Wife of Harry Taylor. Died at 23 Edith Grove.
64 year old Susannah Spain Wood B.R.C.S. (British Red Cross Society ARP Reserve) of 23 Edith Grove. Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones, of 70 Park Walk; wife of Flying Officer H. F. G. Wood, R.A.F.V.R. Died at 23 Edith Grove.
33 year old Thomas George King painter and decorator of 85 Guinness Buildings. Husband of Florence King. Died at Guinness Buildings.
2nd October 1940
27 Stadium Street. Incendiary bomb.
3rd October 1940
King’s Head and Eight Bells, Embankment Gardens. Unexploded bomb.
Woollands, Knightsbridge. Anti-aircraft shell.
4th October 1940
38 First Street. Anti-aircraft shell.
11 to 13 Cadogan Court. anti-arcraft shell.
8th October 1940
69 Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
21 to 23 Blantyre Steet. Unexploded bomb.
Chelsea Embankment and Old Church Street. Incendiary bomb.
9th October 1940
21 Ashburnham Road, 37 to 41 Stadium Street. High Explosive. Casualties.
Civilian deaths in 41 Stadium Street
Millicent Newman Commonwealth War Graves Commission She was 47 years old of 41 Stadium Street. Wife of John D. Newman. Injured 9 October 1940, at 41 Stadium Street; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
Violet Hilda Newman Commonwealth War Graves Commission 22 years old of 41 Stadium Street. Daughter of John D. Newman, and of Millicent Violet Newman. Died at 41 Stadium Street.
Mabel Phyllis Newman Commonwealth War Graves Commission 17 years old of 41 Stadium Street. Daughter of John D. Newman, and of Millicent Violet Newman. Died at 41 Stadium Street.
Frederick Walter Patmore Commonwealth War Graves Commission 24 years old, a member of the Home Guard. Son of George and Mary Patmore, of 34 Parfrey Street, Fulham Palace Road. Injured 9 October 1940, at 41 Stadium Street; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
The deaths at 21 Ashburnham Road
Albert Edward McKay Commonwealth War Graves Commission 48 year old grocer of of 21 Ashburnham Road. Husband of Kate (Kitty) Elizabeth McKay. Died at Ashburnham Road.
Kate Elizabeth (Kitty) McKay Commonwealth War Graves Commission 42 years old of 21 Ashburnham Road. Wife of Albert Edward McKay. Died at 21 Ashburnham Road.
Christchurch opposite Robinson Street. Incendiary bomb.
16 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb
Junction of Flood Street and Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Rossetti Studios Flood Street. Incendiary bomb
Police Box on Albert Bridge. Incendiary bomb.
2 Cheyne Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Manor Buildings. Incendiary bomb.
75 Chelsea Manor Street. Incendiary bomb.
19 Cheyne Walk.
17 to 21 Oakley Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
2 Cheyne Mews. Incendiary bomb
Lots Road. Incendiary bomb
Central London Electricity, Alpha Place.
71 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Pier Hotel, Oakley Street. Incendiary bomb.
Shrewsbury House, Embankment. Incendiary bomb.
Petyt Place. Incendiary bomb.
Carlyle Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
431 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
Friday 11th October 1940
Civilian Casualties
64 year old Amy Poupart Injured 11 October 1940, at 55 New King’s Road, Sands End; died at St. Stephen’s Hospital. Husband of 74 years old James Poupart, a retired butcher’s assistant.
Ronald Sadler, 5 years old, of 27 William Parnell House, Sands End Fulham. Son of Mr. B. Sadler. Injured at William Parnell House; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital. [William Parnell House was demolished after WW2].
12th October 1940
Beaufort Street Convent. High explosive bomb.
13th October 1940
369 King’s Road. Unexploded bomb.
Pelham Court, Fulham Road. High explosive bomb. Casualties.
Civilian Casualties
Mary Ann Lowe, 83 years old of 42 Burnfoot Avenue, Fulham. Widow of F. W. Lowe. Injured at Burnfoot Avenue; died same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital.
30 year old Margery Florence Almond of 29 Onslow Square. Daughter of G. R. C. and E. Almond. Injured 13 October 1940, at 29 Onslow Square; died at Hospital for Consumption and Diseases of the Chest.
34 year old Florence Annie Maloret Daughter of William and Emma Heaks, of 7 Bridport Street, Marylebone; wife of newsagent John Egenue Maloret, of 67 Portobello Road, Notting Hill. Injured 13 October 1940, at South Kensington; died at Royal Cancer Hospital.
14th October 1940
Junction of Seaton Street and Cremorne Road. High explosive bomb. Casualties. For more detailed narrative of this incident see the posting on Seaton Street (adjoining Cremorne Road)
The Casualties at Seaton Street and Cremorne Road
78 year old John Edward Quinlan of 1A Seaton Street who was injured at 1A Seaton Street, rescued but died the same day at St. Stephen’s Hospital. Mr Quinlan lived on the premises of his tobacconist, confectioner, and newsagents shop at number 1A which was on the corner with Cremorne Road.
35 year old Robert Frederick Fuller, a baker of 3 Seaton Street, son of the late William Fuller, husband of Edith Fuller who died at 3 Seaton Street.
34 year old Edith Fuller, a clerk in the War Office, of 3 Seaton Street, daughter of the late John Wright, wife of Robert Frederick Fuller who died at 3 Seaton Street. Edith Fuller was the manageress of a library before the war.
15 year old Dennis Buckley, an errand boy, of 3 Seaton Street. Son of E. A. Buckley, who died at 3 Seaton Street.
68 year old Bertram John Turner, a boat repairer, of 4 Cremorne Road, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Turner, of 40 Seymour Walk, South Kensington, and husband of Mary Frances Turner who died at 4 Cremorne Road. He was identified by the distinctive snuff box he always had on hm.
70 year old Mary Frances Turner of 4 Cremorne Road, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Mayo, of 34 Crouch Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire, wife of Bertram John Turner who died at 4 Cremorne Road.
34 year old Marjorie Mary Turner of 4 Cremorne Road, daughter of Bertram John and Mary Frances Turner who died at 4 Cremorne Road.
48 year old Maud Mary Martin of 1A Cremorne Road, wife of William Charles Martin, who died at 1A Cremorne Road.
23 year old Emily Margery Eileen Martin, a shop assistant caterer, of 1A Cremorne Road, daughter of William Charles and Maud Mary Martin who died at 1A Cremorne Road.
49 year old William Charles Martin, a motor mechanic of 1A Cremorne Road, husband of Maud Mary Martin who died at 1A Cremorne Road.
52 year old Margaret Marie Morley of 6 Cremorne Road, wife of Francis George Morley who died at Cremorne Road. Her body was one of the last to be recovered three days later at 1.30 p.m. on Thursday 17th September 1940.
Elm Park House, Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
Farmer Brothers, Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
33 Milmans Street. High explosive bomb.
Mulberry Close, Beaufort Steet. Unexploded bomb.
Apollo Place. Unexploded bomb.
11 Cremorne Road. Unexploded bomb.
22 to 23 Elm Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
32 Mallord Street. Incendiary bomb
319 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
81 to 88 Beaufort Mansions. Unexploded bomb.
Pelham Court, Fulham Road. High explosive bomb. Casualties.
Civilian Casualties
42 year old Robert John Hanson, volunteer A.R.P. Warden and warehouseman at the manufacturing chemist Messrs Park Davies living at 47M Sutton Dwellings. Died at Pelham Court. He married Annie Lewis in 1932. He left an estate in probate of £156 and 6 shillings to his widow which in June 2023 was the equivalent of £7,186.29. Mr and Mrs Hanson had twins in 1934- Joan and John who were, therefore, 6 years old and among the mourners at his funeral in Brompton Cemetery.
15 year old Reginald James McKewen A bank messenger, son of Mr Richard McKewen, a civil service messenger, and Annie McKewen, of 86 Sloane Avenue. Died at Pelham Court.
Gregory Marc Rosen, 46 years old an interpreter of 14 Sydney Street. Died at Pelham Court. Mr Rosen had served in the Intelligence Corps of the Royal Fusiliers during the First World War and tansferred to the War Reserve in 1919.
132 Cheyne Walk. Unexploded bomb.
141 Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
Junction of Limerston Street and Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
Albert Grey House in Lacland Place. Incendiary bomb.
Gillray Square. Incendiary bomb
St Johns Hall, Worlds End Passage, Worlds End. Incendiary bomb. Caused outbreak of a fire.
[A fire was reported at number 8 Hubbard House, Worlds End Passage caused by enemy action was recorded in the Chelsea Borough records and it is assumed this could have been caused by an incendiary bomb dropped during this air-rdid.]
5 Cremorne Road. Incendiary bomb.
St Johns Church, Tadema Road. Incendiary bomb.
Watney’s Brewery, Gunter Grove. Incendiary bomb.
441 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
434 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
17 Fernshaw Road. Incendiary bomb.
Embankment Res., Dartrey Road.
57 to 59 Old Church Street. High explosive bomb.
Mulberry Close, Beaufort Street. Gas escape.
Ministry of Information film narrated by US correspondent Quentin Reynolds ‘London Can Take It.’ This had a huge impact in America in paying tribute to London and its people during the Blitz on the capital.
15th October 1940
Six Bells, 195 King’s Road. High explosive bomb. [The google street view embed is of the Six Bells in its incarnation as ‘Henry J Beans’. It was previously clled ‘The Bird’s Nest’. in 2012. It was reopened as a restaurant called ‘The Ivy’ in 2022.]
Civilian Casualties
60 year old Frederick Antrobus, Licenced Victualler’s barman of 40a Barons Court Road, West Kensington W15. Husband of Annie Cecilia Antrobus. Died at The Six Bells Public House, 195 King’s Road. Mr Antrobus received the Mercantile Marine Medal for services in the Merchant Marine during the Great War. This medal was awarded to merchant seamen and who had made a voyage through a war zone or danger zone during the 1914-1918 war.
46 year old Annie Cecilia Antrobus bread machinist and cake packer of 40a Barons Court Road, West Kensington W15. Wife of Frederick Antrobus. Died at The Six Bells Public House, 195 King’s Road.
Duke of Yorks Headquarters. High Explosive bomb.
150 Sloane Street. Jefferys (Baker) Oil bomb.
St Lukes Churchyard. Unexploded bomb.
30 Lowndes Street. High explosive bomb.
Stamford Bridge. Incendiary bomb.
St Marks College, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
33 Milmans Street. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Park Gardens, South side. High explosive bomb.
9 to 15 Fernshaw Road. Incendiary bomb.
178 Lots Road. Incendiary bomb.
Editha Mansions, Edith Grove. Incendiary bomb.
Hudsons Depository, Hortensia Road. Incendiary bomb.
32 to 34 Upcerne Road in junction with Meek Street. High explosive bomb.
5 Tetcott Road. Incendiary bomb.
Fulham Station, West London Extension Railway. High explosive bomb.
St Stephens Hospital, Fulham Road. High explosive bomb and unexploded bomb.
105 Cheyne Walk. Unexploded bomb.
Chelsea Basin. High explosive bomb.
Rolands Wharf, Lots Road. High explosive bomb.
River Thames- opposite Old Church Street. High explosive bomb.
Royal Hospital. South grounds. High explosive bomb and unexploded bomb.
2 to 4 Elm Park Lane. High explosive bomb.
9 to 13 Limerston Street. High explosive bomb. Many casualties. [This section of Limerston Street on the east side was redeveloped after WW2 as a three storey block of flats running as far as the Fulham Road called ‘The Sandhills.’]
Civilian Casualties
71 year old Florence Annie Offermann of 11 Limerston Street. Daughter of Valentine De Conte; wife of Karl Freidrich Otto Offermann. Described as ‘of independent mens.’ Died at 11 Limerston Street.
36 year old Mary Catherine Shanley, a domestic servant, died at at 11 Limerston Street.
66 Year old Sophie Gardener. Daughter of Henry Gardener, a carman. Died at 13 Limerston Street. She was a retired cook.
51 year old Lottie Emily Goodwin of 13 Limerston Street, West Brompton. Wife of Henry Charles Goodwin, the manager of a grocery store. Died at 13 Limerston Street. Their newly married 20 year old daughter Joyce Munro who was working as a civil servant survived the bombing.
21 year old Constance Margaret Noney Secretary and typist, daughter of Francis Lily Noney, of 19 Jossey Lane, Scawthorpe, Doncaster, Yorkshire, and of the late physician and surgeon Dr. Edward Harland Noney who passed away in 1935. Died at 13 Limerston Street.
60 year old Louisa Robinson of 11 Limerston Street. Wife of Herbert Thomas Robinson whom she had divorced.. Died at 13 Limerston Street.
66 year old William Lawrence Robinson retired tailor’s assistant of 11 Limerston Street. Died at 11 Limerston Street. His 21 year old draughtsman son Herbert Robinson survived the bombing.
Louise Alice Von Arx, 49 years old of 11 Limerston Street. Died at 13 Limerston Street. She had married Albert Butikofer in 1919, a dealer in watches and chronographs trading in Clerkenwell. They were both from Switzerland. She was described at the time of her death as a domestic servant and was identified by a police officer from the ‘aliens record office.’
Bessie Spruels, 52 years old of 14B Riley Street. Commonwealth War Graves Commission record says she died at 14B Riley Street, but Chelsea Borough Council records from the time state she died from bomb blast injuries in Limerston Street. In the 1921 Census she was described as working at general domestic duties in the ‘Mrs Lewis Eating House’ while living with her mother in Paddington.
Hudsons Depository in Hortensia Road. Incendiary bomb.
16th October 1940
Chelsea Polytechnic, Manresa Road. Incendiary bomb.
115 and 147 Old Church Street. Incendiary bombs.
12 to 14 Riley Street. 2 high explosive bombs.
Macnamara House, Lacland Place. High explosive bomb.
St Lukes Church, Sydney Street. Incendiary bomb.
Tulleys, 291 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
13 Meek Street. Unexploded bomb.
19 to 21 Upcerne Road. High explosive bomb.
Post “Ack” at 67 Lots Road. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Creek at 67 Lots Road. High explosive bomb.
Westminster Institute in Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
Fulham Road opposite Westminster Institute. High explosive bomb.
36 Tetcott Road. Unexploded bomb.
26 Uverdale Road. Incendiary bomb.
14 Sydney Street. Unexploded bomb.
Carlyle Laundry, Upper Cheyne Row. Incendiary bomb.
Station 22, Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
53 Slaidburn Street. High explosive bomb.
Guinness Trust Buildings, Edith Grove. High explosive bomb.
St Stephens Hospital, Fulham Road. High explosive bomb.
102 Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
22 Sloane Gardens. Oil bomb.
St Marys Church Cadogan Street. High explosive bomb.
53 Cadogan Street. High explosive bomb.
103 Fulham Road. Unexploded bomb.
Peter Jones Paint Store, Mossop Street. High explosive bomb.
96 Elm Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Hans Crescent Hotel. High explosive bomb
16 to 18 Hans Crescent. High explosive bomb.
22 Hans Crescent . High explosive bomb.
6 to 7 Hans Crescent. High explosive bomb.
15 to 21 Uverdale Road. High explosive bomb.
Junction of Lots Road and Burnaby Street. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Pensioners in Conversation Blitz. Chelsea History Festival 2020
115 Old Church Street. Incendiary bomb.
Infirmary, Royal Hospital. 3 unexploded bombs.
6 Mallord Street. Incendiary bomb.
1 Callow Street. Incendiary bomb.
Osbornes Timber Yard, Lots Road. Incendiary bomb.
6 Lower Sloane Street. High explosive bomb.
510 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
38 Fernshaw Road. Incendiary bomb.
14 Fernshaw Road. Incendiary bomb.
Lyons Stores, Lots Road. Incendiary bomb.
Cremorne Bottling Stores, Lots Road. Incendiary bomb.
6 Damer Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
14 Tetcott Road. Incendiary bomb.
363 Fulham Road, corner of Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
2A Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
317 Fulham Road, corner of Callow Stret. Incendiary bomb.
34 Edith Grove. Incendiary bomb.
British Pathé news feature on ‘Your Home As An Air Raid Shelter’ 1940
17th October 1940
16 to 17 Riley Street. Unexploded bomb.
117 Old Church Street. High explosive bomb.
273 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
14 Elm Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
141 Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
234 Elm Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
1 Mulberry Walk. Incendiary bomb.
21A Carlyle Square. Incendiary bomb.
26 Carlyle Square. Incendiary bomb.
147 Old Church Street. Incendiary bomb.
279 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
3 Elm Park Lane. Incendiary bomb.
299 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
Ashburnham Mansions. High explosive bomb.
St John’s Vicarage. Unexploded bomb.
18th October 1940
523 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
2 Upcerne Road. High explosive bomb.
St Marks College grounds. High explosive bomb.
19th October 1940
27 Gertrude Street. High explosive bomb.
Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
2 Park Walk, Goat In Boots. High explosive bomb.
166 Fulham Road. High explosive bomb.
Servite School, in Winterton Place. High explosive bomb fell on a wall causing damage to the property.
448 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
118 Cheyne Walk. High explosive bomb.
20th October 1940
20 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
79 Limerston Street. Unexploded bomb.
Odell Arms, Limerston Street. High explosive bomb.
Albert Gray House, Lacland Place. High explosive bomb.
Gurney Nuttings, Lacland Place. High explosive bomb.
19 to 20 Riley Street. High explosive bomb.
24 Gertrude Street. Unexploded bomb.
Flaxman Exchange. High explosive bomb.
Paultons Square trenches. High explosive bomb.
73 to 75 Elm Park Gardens. High explosive bomb.
55 Elm Park Gardens. High explosive bomb.
332 King’s Road and the Vale. High explosive bomb.
25th October 1940
Ashburnham School. High explosive bomb.
26th October 1940
70 Elm Park Road. Unexploded bomb.
27th October 1940
Royal Hospital. High explosive bomb.
Burtons Court. Unexploded bomb.
Royal Hospital. South grounds. High explosive bomb.
30th October 1940
Lamont Road and Langton Street. Anti-aircraft shell.
31st October 1940
18 Cadogan Gardens. Anti-aircraft shell.
1st November 1940
32 to 44 Shawfield Street. High explosive bomb.
H.E. also impacted on the Hall of Remembrance, Hadley Cottages in Flood Street and Radnor Walk.
29 Redesdale Street. Unexploded bomb.
4th November 1940
9 Chesham Street. High explosive bomb.
32 Cadogan Lane. High explosive bomb.
5th November 1940
17 Cadogan Gardens. High explosive bomb.
45 Cadogan Square. Anti-aircraft shell.
7th November 1940
6 Hans Crescent. High explosive bomb.
7 Cottage Walk. High explosive bomb.
3 and 5 Harriet Walk. High explosive bomb.
River Thames, 100 yards west of Chelsea Bridge. 5 high exploisve bombs.
Royal Hospital, Ranelagh Gardens. High explosive bomb.
8th November 1940
Royal Hospital cemetery. Unexploded bomb.
81 Fulham Road, corner of Sloane Avenue. High explosive or anti-aircraft shell.
9th November 1940
Royal Hospital grounds. Unexploded bomb.
12th November 1940
Sloane Square underground station. High explosive bomb. Many casualties.
Civilian victims
Henry Herbert Waller, a 33 year old bus driver for the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) of 2 Crofton Road, Peckham, Southwark, Camberwell, London, England, married to Kathleen A Waller. Died at Sloane Square Station.
George James Cooper, a 40 year old omnibus driver employed by the LPTB. Husband of F. K. Cooper, of 126 Glenesk Road, Eltham, Woolwich, Kent. Died at Sloane Square Station.
James Patrick Dingnan, a 32 year old labourer employed by the LPTB of 40 Farm Lane, Fulham. Died at Sloane Square Station.
William Hedley George, a 35 year old booking clerk employed by the LPTB. Son of Lottie George, of 5 Meadowbank Gardens, Hounslow, Middlesex, and of the late William George; husband of Daisy Primrose George, of 23 Burnham Gardens, Bath Road, Hounslow. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Henry Gordon Houston, a 30 year old inspector employed by the LPTB. Son of William John Anderson Houston, and Nora Beatrice Mary Houston, of 45 Tolworth Rise, Tolworth, Surrey; husband of K. M. Houston, of 32 Grimwood Road, Twickenham, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Albert Edward Patterson, a 39 year old railway guard for LPTB and a member of the Home Guard. Son of Mr. and Mrs. F Patterson, of 13 Greencourt Gardens, Edgware, Middlesex; husband of Violet Elizabeth Patterson, of 104 Cuckoo Avenue, Hanwell, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Arthur Richardson, a 36 year old porter employed by the LPTB of 7 Old Compton Street, Soho. Injured 12 November 1940, at Sloane Square Station; died at St. Luke’s Hospital.
Silvester George Rogers, a 61 year old motorman employed by the LPTB. Husband of Frances Rogers, of 7 Belsize Avenue, West Ealing. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Walter William Saunders, a 32 year old bus driver working for the LPTB. Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Saunders, of 86 Poole’s Park, Finsbury Park, Middlesex; husband of Hilda Saunders, of 9 Nutbrook Street, Peckham. Died at Sloane Square Station.
George G Walkling, a 35 year old railway guard working for the LPTB. Husband of Iden Frances Walkling, of 42 Mirabel Road, Fulham. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Frederick Victor Adams, a 30 year old omnibus inspector working for the LPTB. Son of Albert and Rosina Jane Adams, of 15 Fairfax Road, Bedford Park, Chiswick, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station.
William Charles Bullock, a 34 year old fitter working for the LPTB. Husband of Doris E. Bullock, of 47 Lamont Road. Died at Sloane Square Station.
William Henry Chamberlain, 35 years old and husband of W. Chamberlain, of 53 Stockwell Green, Stockwell. Died at Sloane Square.
George Henry Albert Daniels, a 33 year old bus conductor working for the LPTB. Husband of Ivy Winifred Daniels, of 284 Bexley Lane, Sidcup, Kent. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Edith Rosa Duce, a 53 year old private secretary to the Managing Director of Random Express Newspaper Ltd. She was living at 4B Pont Street and died at Sloane Square Station.
Vincent Alfred Lock, a 43 year old railway guard working for the LPTB. Husband of E. A. Lock, of 87 Merton Road, Southfields. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Robert George Head, a 29 year old railway guard working for the LPTB. Son of Robert H. and Edith Head, of 5 Lilac Gardens, South Ealing; husband of Violet Ruby Head, of 53 Chestnut Grove, South Ealing. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Edward John Jenning, a 56 year old heavy lorry driver working for the LPTB. Son of Edward J. Jenning, of 52 Star Road, West Kensington. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Ernest Walter Peachey, a 48 year old motorman working for the LPTB. Husband of E. M. Peachey, of 4 Wingrove Road, Hammersmith. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Elizabeth Ann Pitt, a 26 year old canteen assistant working for the LPTB. Daughter of Charles Henry and Catherine Pitt, of 14 St. George’s Drive. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Alfred Reynolds, a 46 year old labourer in the LPTB building department. Husband of E. Reynolds, of 22 Sands End Lane, Fulham. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Norman Henry Thompson, a 31 year old labourer in the LPTB building department. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, of Devonport, Plymouth, Devon; husband of Mary Elisabeth Thompson, of 84 Trinity Road, Upper Tooting. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Clifford Charles Tilbery, a 27 year old inspector working for the LPTB. He was also a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police. Son of Charles Bunc Tilbery, and Grace Tilbery, of 31 Westow Street, Upper Norwood; husband of Phyllis M. Tilbery, of 90 Cowley Road, Mortlake, Surrey. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Leonard Albert Birch, a 46 year old fitter and driver working with the LPTB. He had been a King’s Corporal in the British Army. Son of George Samuel and Elizabeth Birch, of 33 Holly Road, Chiswick, Middlesex; husband of Ada Mary Birch, of 241 Acton Lane, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Fred F. Box, a 58 year old electrical engineer working in the signals department of the LPTB of 9 Barley Lane, Goodmayes, Essex. Son of Charles and Mary Anne Box, of 15 Pembroke Square, Kensington; husband of Freda May Box. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Ambrose John George Dance, a 34 year old bus driver working for the LPTB. Son of J. and E. Dance, of Blacknest, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire; husband of Letty E. V. Dance, of 141 Conisborough Crescent, Catford. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Ernest Fox, a 40 year old bus driver working for the LPTB. Serving in the Home Guard. Husband of Minnie Fox, of 17 Westbury Avenue, Southall, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Ada Sophie Henderson, a 29 year old canteen charge hand. Daughter of Sophie Henderson, of 15 Boyson Road, Walworth. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Florence Audrey Boreham, a 32 year old bus conductress working for the LPTB. Daughter of the late Joseph and Frances Lynham; wife of C. Boreham, of 122 Stockwell Road, Brixton. Died at Sloane Square Station. She was also pregnant.
James John Cook, a 37 year old omnibus driver working for the LPTB. Husband of Mary Ann Cook, of 133 Shaldon Drive, Morden, Surrey. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Charles Griffin, a 39 year old motorman working for the LPTB. Husband of B. R. Griffin, of 35 Fernhurst Road, Fulham. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Frederick Thomas Knight, a 48 year old advertisement fixer working for the LPTB. Husband of B. Knight, of 52 Malva Road, Wandsworth. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Albert Henry Russell, a 55 year old motorman working for the LPTB. Husband of Lily Mary Harding, of 17 Clairvale Road, Hounslow, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Benjamin Hawes, a 46 year old railway guard working for the LPTB. Son of Harry and Mary Hawes, of 22 Antrobus Road, Chiswick; husband of Rose Hawes, of 155 Old Oak Common Lane. Died at Sloane Square Station.
Charles Thomas Hinchcliffe, a 29 year old bus conductor working for the LPTB. Son of Edith Hinchcliffe, of 28 Chubworthy Street, New Cross, Deptford; husband of Constance Ella Hinchcliffe, of 32 Ightham Road, Erith, Kent. Died at Sloane Square Station.
James George Heber Loveday, a 50 year old motorman working for the LPTB. Son of Mrs. E. Loveday, of 58 Archel Road, Fulham, husband of E. F. Loveday, of 11 Sheringham Avenue, Woodlawn Park, Whitton, Twickenham, Middlesex. Died at Sloane Square Station. 36 named in relation to Sloane Square Station. LPTB stands for London Passenger Transport Board, which was later shortened to be known as ‘London Transport.’
Servicemen killed at Sloane Square
Michael Robert MacIntyre of the Royal Engineers. (Sapper) 22 years old of 33 Walpole Street SW3.
Bernard Alexander Tisdale, of the RAF (civilian occupation- shipbroker’s clerk) who was 18 years old and living at 36 Chesterfield Road, Chiswick.
Nathan Abrahams, a private in the army serving in the Pioneer Corps. He was 35 years old and living at Hyde Park Barracks.
British Pathé news report on the spirit of a Londoner Mrs Barker (and her cat)- bombed out of her home like so many people in Chelsea during the London Blitz of 1940 and 1941
17th November 1940
172 to 174 Lots Road. High explosive bomb.
87 to 89 Lots Road. High explosive bomb.
Lots Road Power House. High explosive bomb.
18th November 1940
St Marks College grounds. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Creek by Lots Road Power Station. High explosive bomb.
30th November 1940
21 Cadogan Lane. High explosive bomb.
3rd December 1940
Burtons Court. Unexploded bomb.
British Pathé short feature 1940 on using the Anderson Shelter in London during the Blitz and how to make it more comfortable
8th December 1940
39 Christchurch Street. High explosive bomb.
32 and 33 Smith Street. High explosive bomb.
Victoria Hospital, Tite Street. Unexploded bomb.
31 Tedworth Square. High explosive bomb.
9 Sloane Avenue. High explosive bomb.
Wellington Square (West Side) High explosive bomb. All mains broken. No casualties.
9th December 1940
20 Tedworth Square. High explosive bomb.
Royal Hospital grounds. Unexploded bomb.
51 King’s Road. Unexploded bomb.
1 Margaretta Terrace. Anti-aircraft shell.
44 Lowndes Square. Unexploded anti-aircraft shell.
23rd December 1940
False report of unexploded bomb in the grounds of the Royal Hospital.
37 Bramerton Street. Unexploded anti-aircraft shell.
64 Chelsea Square. Explosive incendiary.
23 South Parade. Explosive incendiary.
13 Elm Park Gardens. Explosive incendiary.
94 Elm Park Gardens. Explosive incendiary.
9 Mallord Street. Explosive incendiary.
Fulham Road and Elm Park Gardens. Explosive incendiary.
48 Gertrude Street. Explosive incendiary.
4 Herbert Crescent. High explosive bomb.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s speech addressing the blitzing of London and his affirmation that those killed in the capital (30,000 during WW2) would be avenged on Hitler. In particular this speech provided an eloquent tribute to the people of London and their civil defence workers and firefighters.
27th December 1940
St Marks College. Explosive incendiary.
St Marks College grounds. Explosive incendiary.
West London Extension railway. Explosive incendiaries.
1 Upcerne Road. Explosive incendiaries.
5 Upcerne Road. Explosive incendiaries.
7 Upcerne Road. Explosive incendiaries.
5 Fernshaw Road. Incendiary bomb.
Chastons Garage, Gertrude Street. Explosive incendiary.
Cadogan Iron Works, Lots Road. Explosive incendiary.
Milton House, Fernshaw Road. Explosive incendiary.
Fernshaw Road, Watneys Brewery. Explosive incendiary.
Gunter Grove, King’s Road end. Explosive incendiary.
34 Gunter Grove. Explosive incendiary.
38 Gunter Grove. Explosive incendiary.
24 Gunter Grove. Explosive incendiary.
King’s Road near Edith Grove. Explosive incendiary.
538 King’s Road. Explosive incendiary.
18 Edith Grove. Explosive incendiary.
443 Fulham Road. Explosive incendiary.
29th December 1940
John Lewis, Mossop Street. Unexploded oil incendiary.
104 Sloane Street.
Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. 6 incendiary bombs.
Incidents recorded during between September 1940 and May 1941 but not given a specific date.
29 Walton Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire caused severe damage.
77 Walton Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof holed and little damage.
101 Walton Steet. Incendiary bomb. Damage.
Number 8 Hubbard House, World’s End Passage. Incendiary bomb. Fire broke out by exteninguished by Wardens.
10 Walton Place. Incendiary bomb. Fire causing some damage.
29 Walpole Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire and some damage.
3 and 5 The Vale. Incendiary bomb. Fire. Much damage.
17 The Vale. Exploding incendiary bomb. Bomb pierced roof.
1 The Vale. Incendiary bomb. Fire and water damage.
6 Upper Cheyne Row. Incendiary bomb.
28 Tedworth Square. Incendiary bomb. Fire and much damage.
Sydney Street- British School of Motoring. High explosive bomb at rear. Premises damaged. Also Chelsea Palace theatre damaged.
Sydney Street- St Luke’s Church. 4 incendiary bombs. Damage to the vestry and roof.
17 to 18 Smith Street- Eastern Court. Incendiary bomb. Little damage.
Sloane Terrace. First Church of Christ Scientist. Incendiary bomb. Fire and some damage.
53 Sloane Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire, roof pierced, some damage.
8 Sloane Gardens. 3 Incendiary bombs autumn of 1940. Fire, damage to roof and interior.
20 Slaidburn Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire on roof.
21 Slaidburn Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire on premises.
44 Slaidburn Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof pierced.
Sloane Avenue- Chelsea Cloisters. Incendiary bomb in restaurant. Damage by fire.
3 Shawfield Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire. Roof pieced.
3 Shalcomb Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof damaged.
6 Shalcomb Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof damaged.
7 Shalcomb Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof damaged.
8 Shalcomb Street. 4 Incendiary bombs. Roof damaged.
11 Shalcomb Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof damaged.
15 to 16 St Leonard’s Terrace. Oil bomb. Autumn 1940. Slight damage to property.
40 St Leonard’s Terrace. Incendiary bomb. Roof damaged.
6 Rossetti Gardens (Mansions). High explosive bomb at rear. Autumn 1940. Property damaged.
17 Rossetti Gardens (Mnsions). High explosive bomb at the front outside. Autumn 1940. Property damaged.
9 and 13 Redesdale Street. Incendiary bombs. Some damage.
1 to 3 Rawlings Street. 1940- date not known. Incendiary bomb. Fire and water damage.
58 Rawlings Street. Incendiary bomb. Shed roof burnt at rear.
64 Pont Street. Incendiary bomb fell down chimney and did some damage.
45 Pont Street. Two incendiary bombs. Fire and damage.
42 Pont Street. Incendiary bomb. Roof penetrated.
11th January 1941
Gaumont Cinema, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Westons Timber Yard, Elystan Place. Incendiary bomb.
The Gateways, Sprimont Place. Incendiary bomb.
Clabon Mews off Cadogan Square. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
Elystan Street and Lucan Place. Incendiary bomb.
8 Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
12 Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
6 Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Embankment.
11 Chelsea Embankment. Incendiary bomb.
9 Chelsea Embankment. Incendiary bomb.
Cheyne House, Chelsea Embankment. Incendiary bomb.
1 Swan Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Royal Hospital Road and Tite Street. Incendiary bomb.
25 Tite Street. Incendiary bomb.
Christchurch Street. Incendiary bomb.
4 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
5 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
17 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
42 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
44 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
51 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
49 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
33 Redesdale Street. Incendiary bomb.
Christchurch Street and Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
Smith Street and Smith Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
Top of Smith Street. Incendiary bomb.
Voiced Pathé news report of incendiary raid of 29th December and the terrible destruction and fire in the City of London.
Tedworth Square- gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Shawfield Steet. Incendiary bomb.
41 Markham Square rear of 44 Elystan Place. Incendiary bomb.
21 Caversham Street. Incendiary bomb.
4 Christchurch Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
5 Durham Place. Incendiary bomb.
3 Jubilee Place. Incendiary bomb.
8 Godfrey Street. Incendiary bomb.
52 Godfrey Street. Incendiary bomb.
53 Godfrey Street. Incendiary bomb.
Sutton Dwellings 30 Block M. Incendiary bomb.
Sutton Dwellings 29 Block M. Incendiary bomb.
Sutton Dwellings 24 Block H. Incendiary bomb.
131 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
145 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Pheasantry Club, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
28 Markham Street. Incendiary bomb.
Pontiac Motors. Jubilee Place Incendiary bomb.
43 Radnor Walk. Incendiary bomb.
84 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
85 King’s Road (23 Ambulance Station) Incendiary bomb.
Walpole Street. Eight incendiary bombs in the road. No damage.
From the British Pathé news archive silent film recorded in London most likely after the air-raid of 29th December 1940 which as the recorded incidents in Chelsea indicate was a mass blanket bombing operation dropping incendiary explosives.
30th January 1941
Tedworth Square Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
19th February 1941
47 Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
52 Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
27 Paultons Square and Danvers Street. High explosive bomb.
Cheyne Hospital High explosive bomb.
St Stephens Hospital High explosive bomb.
349 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
341 King’s Road. High explosive bomb.
St Stephens Hospital. High explosive bomb.
Cheyne Hospital High explosive bomb.
Images from the London Blitz released by the Ministry of Information in its booklet Front Line published in 1942 Part One
8th March 1941
Pimlico Road. Unexploded bomb.
69 Lower Sloane Street. Unexploded bomb.
26 Royal Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
32 Royal Avenue. Report taken, but no actual incident.
44 Royal Avenue.
37 St Leonards Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
Burtons Court. Incendiary bomb.
Duke of Yorks Headquarters. Incendiary bomb.
Hoopers Buildings, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
26 and 27 Wellington Square. Incendiary bombs. Fire put out.
Crappers, 116 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
65 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
International Stores, 124 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Glovers Factory, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
85 King’s Road, 23 Ambulance Station. Incendiary bomb.
Carter Patersons, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
Andrews and Hitch, King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
King’s Road junction with Smith Street and Markham Square. Incendiary bomb.
Cale Street and Jubilee Place. Explosive incendiary.
8 Embankment Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Dilke Street. Incendiary bomb.
Botanical Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Tite Street- south of Royal Hospital Road. Incendiary bomb.
Cheyne Place and between Cheyne Place and Caversham Street. Incendiary bomb.
Royal Hospital Road. Incendiary bomb.
Royal Hospital grounds Incendiary bomb. .
Royal Hospital Lodge. Incendiary bomb.
Christchurch Street. North side. Incendiary bomb.
33 Ormonde Gate. Incendiary bomb.
6 Ormonde Gate. Incendiary bomb.
Fulham Road and Old Church Street. Incendiary bomb.
Shawfield Street. Incendiary bomb.
Shawfield Street. Incendiary bomb.
9 Shawfield Street. Incendiary bomb.
Redesdale Street. Incendiary bomb.
4 Smith Street. Incendiary bomb.
24 Smith Street. Incendiary bomb.
45 Smith Street. Incendiary bomb.
Tryon Street. Incendiary bomb.
Radnor Walk, rear of Tedworth Square. Incendiary bomb.
Woodfall Street. Incendiary bomb. Caused a fire in the road.
No 19 The Gateways. Incendiary bomb.
7 The Gateways. Incendiary bomb.
49 Elystan Place. Incendiary bomb.
25 Elystan Place. Incendiary bomb.
33 Elystan Place. Unexploded incendiary bomb.
Elystan Place. Incendiary bomb.
Elystan Place and Sprimont Place. Incendiary bomb.
41 Markham Square. Incendiary bomb.
20 Markham Square. Incendiary bomb.
Markham Square, garden. Incendiary bomb.
Rear of Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
76 Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
Petyward. Incendiary bomb.
12 Symonds Street. Incendiary bomb.
Nell Gwynne House. Incendiary bomb.
Sloane Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
Peter Jones in Sloane Square. Incendiary bomb.
Draycott Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
Culford Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
Sutton Dwellings, 39 Block M, Cale Street.
102 Edith Grove. Incendiary bomb.
Royal Hospital, Ranelagh Gardens. Unexploded bomb.
8 Marlborough Street. Incendiary bomb.
The Beehive pub, Chelsea Manor Street. Incendiary bomb.
Onslow Mission Hall. Incendiary bomb.
30 Elystan Street. Incendiary bomb.
20 Coulson Street. Incendiary bomb.
Symonds Street- Sloane Squae end. High explosive bomb.
Chelsea Bridge Road. Unexploded bomb.
21 Sloane Street. High explosive bomb.
1 to 12 Basil Mansions. High explosive bomb.
76 Lots Road. Incendiary bomb.
60 Lots Road. Incendiary bomb.
Rex Paste Works. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Basin. Incendiary bomb.
Reliance Rubber Company. Incendiary bomb.
Thames River. Incendiary bomb.
Casual Ward, Milmans Street. Incendiary bomb.
55 Stadium Street. Incendiary bomb.
Tadema Road and Burnaby Street. Incendiary bomb.
65 Uverdale Road. Incendiary bomb.
68 Uverdale Road. Incendiary bomb.
477 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
16th April 1941
25 to 43 Cheyne Place, Royal Hospital Road. Parachute mine.
15 to 17 Caversham Street. Parachute mine.
Royal Hospital- infirmary. Parachute mine.
Bottom of Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
Station 22 (auxiliary fire service) Parachute mine.
19 Whiteheads Grove. Incendiary bomb. Fire caused damage and one casualty.
10 Woodfall Street. Incendiary bomb. Caused a fire on the premises.
17th April 1941
77 Cheyne Walk. Parachute mine.
Chelsea Old Church. Parachute mine.
Petyt Place. Parachute mine.
2 to 6 Old Church Street. Parachute mine.
People standing outside Chelsea Old Church which was reduced to rubble after a direct hit from a parachute mine during an air raid, London, 18th April 1941. (Photo by Topical Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Chelsea Embankment by Chelsea Bridge. High explosive bomb.
32 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
34 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
36 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
42 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
23 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
10 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
16 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
24 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
20 Cheyne Row. Incendiary bomb.
Elms Garage and Paradise Walk. Incendiary bomb.
8 Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
20 Upper Cheyne Row. Incendiary bomb.
10 Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
25 Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
Carlyle Garage King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
St Andrews Church, Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
341 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
303 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
5 Henniker Mews. Incendiary bomb.
121-128 Beaufort Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
13 Callow Street. Incendiary bomb.
16 Callow Street. Incendiary bomb. .
Moravian Close. Incendiary bomb.
9 Henniker Mews Incendiary bomb.
113 Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
87 Elm Park Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
366 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
35 Park Walk Incendiary bomb.
23 Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
21 Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
16 Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
10 Limerston Street. Incendiary bomb.
363 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
St Stephens Hospital. Incendiary bomb.
Westminster Institute Incendiary bomb.
25 Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
48 Christchurch Street. Incendiary bomb.
9 Caversham Street. Incendiary bomb.
Christchurch schools. Incendiary bomb.
10 Embankment Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
13 to 16 Embankment Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Court. Incendiary bomb.
Victoria Hospital, Tite Street. Incendiary bomb.
46 Tite Street. Incendiary bomb.
River House, Embankment, just off Tite Street. Incendiary bomb.
Cheyne House, Embankment, south of Royal Hospital Road. Incendiary bomb.
Swan House, near Royal Hospital Road and Chelsea Embankment. Incendiary bomb.
5 Swan Walk. Incendiary bomb.
3 Swan Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Chelsea Physique Gardens, Swan Walk. Incendiary bomb.
29 to 32 Paradise Walk. Incendiary bomb.
8 Duke Street. Incendiary bomb.
Cheyne Court, foot of Flood Street. Incendiary bomb.
1A Sloane Court East. Incendiary bomb.
343 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
11 Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
Stanley Studios, Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
20 Park Walk Incendiary bomb.
22 Park Walk. Incendiary bomb.
3 Phene Street. Incendiary bomb.
85 Elm Park Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
10 Elm Park Road. Incendiary bomb.
355 Fulham Road. Incendiary bomb.
2 Mulberry Walk. Incendiary bomb.
109 Old Church Street. Incendiary bomb.
15 Elm Park Road. Incendiary bomb.
18 Elm Park Road. Incendiary bomb.
20 Elm Park Road. Incendiary bomb.
121 Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
129 Beaufort Street. Incendiary bomb.
26 Chelsea Park Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
25 The Vale. Incendiary bomb. Fire which burnt itself out.
25 Mulberry Walk. Incendiary bomb.
181 to 220 Cranmer Court. Parachute mine. Many casualties.
50 to 53, 50 to 61 and 62 to 75 Chelsea Square. Parachute mine. Casualties.
Burtons Court. Parachute mine.
Movietone London Blitz coverage. Silent film released 21st April 1941 after raids 16th, 17th and 18th April 1941
Royal Hospital Road 25 yards east of Tite Street. High explosive.
Sloane Court West. High explosive.
Chelsea Embankment at the junction of Royal Hospital Road, at Old Swan House. High explosive. bomb.
Elms Garage, Paradise Walk. High explosive bomb.
Whittaker Street and Holbein Place. High explosive bomb. Gas and water mains damaged.
74 Cale Street. High explosive bomb.
29 and 31 Sydney Street. High explosive bomb.
43 Sydney Street. High explosive bomb.
63 Dovehouse Street. High explosive bomb.
Ranelagh Garage, Royal Hospital. not confirmed.
British Pathé voice news report on huge 1941 air raid on London. This is likely to relate to the bombing blitz on either 17th April or 11th May 1941.
11 May 1941
Holy Trinity Church. Incendiary bomb. .
46 Clabon Mews. Incendiary bomb.
Walton Place. Incendiary bombs. Fire.
St Columbia Church, Pont Street. Incendiary bomb.
69 Cadogan Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
84 Cadogan Square. Incendiary bomb.
205 Pavilion Road. Incendiary bomb.
10 Harriet Walk. Incendiary bomb.
76 Sloane Street. Explosive incendiary bomb.
18 Pont Street. Incendiary bomb.
456 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
416A King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
1 to 10 Culford Mansions. Incendiary bomb.
23 Coulson Street. Incendiary bomb.
11 to 13 Cadogan Court. Incendiary bomb.
13 Draycott Avenue Incendiary bomb.
Blacklands and Cadogan Garage, 24 Cadogan Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
St Marys Convent. Incendiary bomb.
48 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
108 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
72 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
19 Draycott Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
3 Draycott Place. Incendiary bomb.
17 Draycott Place. Incendiary bomb.
23 Draycott Place. Incendiary bomb.
49 Draycott Place. Incendiary bomb.
37 Halsey Street. Incendiary bomb.
5 Coulson Street. Incendiary bomb.
33 Ovington Street. Incendiary bomb.
104 and 106 Walton Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire put out by Wardens. No casualties.
53 Hasker Street. Incendiary bomb.
2 Draycott Place. Incendiary bomb.
Guinness Trust Buildings, Draycott Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
19 Cadogan Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Hans Crescent Hotel . Incendiary bomb.
26 King’s Road. Incendiary bomb.
127 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
2 Apollo Place Incendiary bomb.
33 Blantyre Street. Incendiary bomb.
116 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
118 Cheyne Walk. Incendiary bomb.
41 Danvers Street. Incendiary bomb.
80 Cheyne Court. Incendiary bomb.
9 Sloane Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
14 Sloane Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
19 Sloane Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
29 Sloane Gardens Incendiary bomb.
31 Sloane Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
49 Sloane Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Wyndham House, Sloane Square. Incendiary bomb.
22 Walpole Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire. Put out by Wardens.
33 Walpole Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire. Put out by Wardens.
5 Cheltenham Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
7 Cheltenham Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
15 Woodfall Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire was put out by the Auxiliary Fire Service.
28 Woodfall Street. Incendiary bomb. Fire was put out by ARP Wardens.
Sloane Square underground station. Incendiary bomb.
26 Holbein Place. Incendiary bomb.
13 Holbein Place Incendiary bomb.
7 St Leonards Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
35 St Leonards Terrace. Incendiary bomb.
Duke of York’s Lodge. Incendiary bomb.
1 Sloane Court East. Incendiary bomb.
10 Redburn Street. Incendiary bomb.
4 Holbein Mews. Incendiary bomb.
29 Cadogan Place. Incendiary bomb.
84 Cadogan Place. Incendiary bomb.
156 Sloane Street. Incendiary bomb.
113 Cadogan Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Movietone voiced report on May 11th London air-raid
Durham Cottage. Incendiary bomb.
31 Royal Avenue. Incendiary bomb.
97 Cadogan Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
21 Lennox Gardens. Incendiary bomb.
Shafto Mews. Incendiary bomb.
9 Chesham Street. High explosive bomb.
181 to 184 Shelton House, Sloane Street. High explosive bomb.
15 and 16 Cadogan Place. High explosive bomb.
River Thames opposite Swan Walk and Tite Street. High explosive bomb.
52 Hans Place. High explosive bomb.
37 and 38 Hans Place. High explosive bomb.
Herbert Crescent. High explosive bomb
Junction of Lowndes Square and Harriet Street. High explosive bomb.
Herbert Mansions. High explosive bomb.
St Lukes Hospital. High explosive bomb.
62 to 64 Sydney Street. High explosive bomb.
Basil Street and junction of 17 and 18 Rysbrack Street and Hans Crescent. G land mine. Many casualties.
Military and Civilian Casualties at Basil Street
35 year old John Gilbert Garner. Chelsea Borough records show that he died in Basil Street. Commonwealth War Graves Commission records indicate he was eventually buried at Brookwood Military cemetery in his English alias of Garner and real name of Garnier and he had been seconded to the Special Operations Executive SOE.
Jacques Edwin Fresco otherwise known as Forrester was a second lieutenant in the British Army with the service number of 183030 and 29 years of age. His body was recovered from the debris and destruction in Basil Street at 8.20 a.m. on 11th May 1941. He has a second record in the Commonwealth War Graves Commision database as James Edwin Forrester.
Lieutenant Richard Goff of the Free French forces, who was 43 years old, was another casualty of this air-raid. That was the name given to the body recovered at 8.45 p.m. on 11th May whose cause of death was ‘burns and bomb blast.’
The records of SOE trainee agent Nicolas B Popoff, who was being trained with Garnier by the SOE to be infiltrated back into occupied France for operations are filed as HS 9/1205/10 in the National Archives under the name Peter Nicholas Powell. He also has an entry with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission under this second name- Second Lieutenant Peter Nicholas Powell though this is designated as an ‘alias’ with Nicolas B Popoff identified as the ‘true family name.’
60 year-old Ronald Marryat. He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Field Artillery with a Distinguished Service Order, and the son of Admiral Joseph Marryat, and Frances Marryat, of Downe Hall, Downe, Kent. He was a widower and resident of number 15 Basil Street and died from the bomb blast and falling masonry.
20 year old Annie Parkes– daughter of John and Mary Parkes, of Baragher, Fivemilebourne P.O., Co. Leitrim, in the Irish Republic and was working as a domestic maid at number 15 Basil Street.
28 year old May Murray– daughter of John and Catherine Murray, of Cuilnakillen, Lahardane, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Irish Republic. May was working as a domestic cook in number 15 Basil Street.
28 year old Diana Sichel daughter of Adrian and Geraldine Dingh; wife of Sub-Lieut. Gerald Theodore S. Sichel, R.N.V.R. She was recovered from the debris at around the same time as Ivy Davis on 15th May with cause of death given as bomb blast and falling debris.
55 year old Ivy Linda Davis of Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand. Daughter of the late Herbert and Emma Smith; widow of Adolphus Davis.
The Hon. June Mary Forbes-Sempill, aged 18. Daughter of Col. the Rt. Hon. Lord Sempill, A.F.C., of Craigievar Castle, Aberdeenshire, and of the late Lady Eileen Sempill. June was serving in the WVS and about to go to work at its Ebury Street mobile canteen depot when the landmine descended to wreck its destruction.
Maurice Freedman, aged 50. A distinguished Belgian subject and described as a diamond merchant in the Chelsea Borough records of Blitz casualties. He was buried in the United Synagogue Burial Society section of Willesdon cemetery. His Commonwealth War Graves Commission entry discloses he had been awarded the Ordre de Leopold; Croix de Guerre and Ordre de la Couronne of Belgium and he was the husband of Suzanne H. Freedman, of The Kingsway Hotel, Minehead, Somerset.
Amalia Huizinga-De Groot, aged 53. A Dutch national of Amsterdam. Daughter of M. and S. De Groot, of Leeuwarden; widow of W. J. C. Huizinga. Mrs Huizinga-De Groot was a Jewish refugee from Holland and had been a resident of number 15 Basil Street.
38 year old Christina Marthe Johnson. A.R.P.warden and Nurse; of Croydon Wilds, Bladen, Oxfordshire. Wife of Capt. D. M. I. Johnson, Royal Army Medical Corps.
69 year old Edith Night, aged 69. Daughter of William and Martha Hammond, of Newbridge House, Bollington, Cheshire; widow of Samuel Knight.
19 Gillray Square. Incendiary bomb.
British Pathé news footage most likely of the destruction caused in London by the air raid of 11th May 1941.
28th July 1942
Chelsea Bridge Road. Unexploded bomb.
Gaumont newsreel report on training London ARP wardens. 1942
June 1942. Great Britain. A group of people sit amongst the rubble in Chelsea, London to have a picnic, shortly before starting work to create allotments on derelict bomb site land.
Images from the London Blitz released by the Ministry of Information in its booklet Front Line published in 1942 Part Two
Pathé News. Silent film footage of clearing London Bomb Damage (1942)
Humphrey Jennings and and Stewart McAllister’s montage sound film ‘Listen to Britain’ in 1942 from Office for Emergency Management. Office of War Information. Overseas Operations Branch. New York Office. News and Features Bureau. (12/17/1942 – 09/15/1945) The sound and picture quality of this transcription is very poor and much better on the version hosted by the British Film Institute at: https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-listen-to-britain-1942-online
17th January 1943
Sutton Dwellings. Block L. Anti-aircraft shell.
Cadogan Avenue. Anti-aircraft shell.
50 and 51 Oakley Street. Anti-aircraft shell.
27A Smith Terrace. Anti-aircraft shell.
London Transport Military Band, Chelsea, 1943.
Chelsea holidays at home. London Transport Military Band playing on a bombed site, corner of Old Church Street and Embankment, 17th June 1943. (Photo by Staff/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)
18th January 1943.
Holy Trinity Infants School, Seeding Street. Anti-aircraft shell.
19th October 1943
Walton House, Walton Street. Unexploded phosphorus shell. Damage and casualty
Walton House, Walton Street. U.P. Bad damage.
Walmer House, Walton Street. Unexploded phosphorus shell. Damage- very slight.
Langton Street. Unexploded anti-aircraft shell.
Blitz Pact Ministry of Information film 1943
22nd January 1944
Radnor Walk. Unexploded bomb.
Rationing in Britain in 1944. US film feature archived by the Imperial War Museum
24th January 1944
Royal Hospital. Unexploded bomb.
29th January 1944
Pavilion Road. Unexploded phosphorus shell.
22nd February 1944
Guinness Trust, King’s Road. High explosive bomb. Multiple casualties.
Residents of Chelsea, London, try to salvage household items and bed linen from their home after a heavy German air raid. (Photo by Paul Popper/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
23rd February 1944
King’s Road and Riley Street. Anti-aircraft shell.
Upcerne Road. High explosive bomb.
Lamont Road. High explosive bomb.
24th February 1944
Hans Street. Phosphorus incendiary bomb.
Cadogan Place. Phosphorous incendiary bomb.
Royal Hospital. Unexploded bomb.
Christchurch Street. Escaped barrage balloon.
2nd March 1944
Tadema Road. Unexploded anti-aircraft shell.
14th March 1944
Sloane Avenue. High explosive bomb.
Clivedon Place. High explosive bomb.
Sloane Square. Phosphorus incendiary bomb.
19th April 1944
Brompton Road. (Kensington incident) High explosive bomb.
Pond Place. Unexploded phosphorus shell.
Bomb Damage, England- The area around Tadema Road, Upcerne Road and Uverdale Road, Chelsea, London, where whole streets had disappeared after the heavy German bombing in the “Blitz” (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
16th June 1944
Royal Hospital grounds. Unexploded phosphorus shell.
27th June 1944
Thurloe Court, Fulham Road. Flying bomb (V1).
Chelsea Embankment, opposite Luna Street. Flying bomb (V1).
Captain William Sidney, VC (1909 – 1991) of the British Army, the MP for Chelsea, and later the 1st Viscount De L’Isle, leaves his hotel for the House of Commons in London, 29th November 1944. He will be the first VC to move the Address of Thanks from the Commons to the King. (Photo by J. Wilds/Keystone/ Archive/Getty Images)
British Pathé news report ‘V1 Flying Bombs Aka Banned Pictures Of Flying Bomb Killing Grounds’ (1944)
3rd July 1944
Sloane Court East and Turk’s Row. Flying bomb (V1). Many casualties.
5th July 1944.
West London Extension railway and bridge. Flying bomb (V1).
19th September 1944.
Park Walk, rear of number 2 and 335 Fulham Road. Unexploded bomb.
3rd January 1945
Royal Hospital Grounds. Direct hit, Doctor’s House, West side. Long range rocket (V2).
Rescue workers and dogs search in the ruins of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea after it had been hit by a V2 “Flying Bomb” (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The scene at the Royal Chelsea Hospital, London, home of the Chelsea pensioner, as an old soldier walks past the rubble after a German raid, The building had been hit by a German V-bomb, “Flying Bomb” which caused great loss of life in Southern England and the capital. (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Gaumont newsreel report in 1945 on German V2 rockets
Celebrations, London, England, 6th July 1945, Children at a Chelsea street party on V,E,Day to celebrate the end of the war in Europe (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Victory celebrations in London, England, 6th July 1945, Children in fancy dress at a party, one of many which marked the end of the war, Two female American service personel and a Chelsea Pensioner are also shown at the gathering at Sutton Dwellings, Chelsea (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Documentary made for ITV in 1968 on ‘Cities at War: Life In War-Torn London During WWII’ Containing many interviews and documentary footage. (Skip through the ads facilities)
The 1974 Thames Television World at War series narrated by Sir Laurence Oliver covered the London Blitz of 1940-41 in episode 4 ‘Alone’- this is available on freeview UK TV at: https://uktvplay.co.uk/shows/the-world-at-war/series-1/episode-4/5817328031001
Episode 15 ‘Home Fires’ concentrated on the Home Front during WW2 and social life across Britain during air-raids: https://uktvplay.co.uk/shows/the-world-at-war/series-1/episode-15/5817323640001
Blitz Spirit with Lucy Worsley. BBC television documentary first broadcast in 2021 which explores the lives of six real people who lived, worked and volunteered during the Blitz and includes ‘Frances Faviell, a Chelsea artist and socialite who received just a week’s training to become an auxiliary nurse and would end up treating a dying victim in a bomb crater.’
This 90 minute documentary is available via Learning on Screen subscription https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/17EAC863?bcast=133921556
Tales From The Blitz BBC Television 2010. ‘Seventy years ago the capital came under massive attack from Hitler’s bombs. London comedian Roy Hudd hears the extraordinary stories of the people who survived the blitz and reveals how the evidence of it is still on our doorstep today’
This 30 minute documentary is available via Learning on Screen subscription https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/01697F4E?bcast=52337037
War Walks. Blitz 29th December 1940 with Professor Richard Holmes. ‘One night and one image encapsulate the London Blitz – December 29th 1940, the night of the second great fire of London when St Paul’s rose in its glory above the smoke and flames. Richard Holmes traces the night’s events, from the sector control room where the incoming raiders were plotted through to the efforts of the firemen to save St Paul’s.’
This 30 minute documentary is available via Learning on Screen subscription https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0009A3CF?bcast=132807379
Time Team Special Buried by the Blitz. Channel 4 one hour documentary. ‘More archaeological investigations with Tony Robinson and the team. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of VE Day, archaeologists from the Museum of London enlisted the help of dozens of volunteers to excavate land under Shoreditch Park, one of the many areas in the capital repeatedly bombed during World War II. As well as coming across some interesting finds the team bring former residents back to relive their experiences during the 1940s.’
This 60 minute documentary is available via Learning on Screen subscription https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/005D3127?bcast=46641429
Words of the Blitz. ITV documentary from 2010. ‘To mark the 70th anniversary of the Blitz, this programme features contemporary first-hand accounts – some written as the bombs fell – telling the story of a defining moment in the nation’s history. Actors Dominic West, Romola Garai, Sheila Hancock, Russell Tovey and Steven Berkoff read the diaries and letters of ordinary men and women including doctors, soldiers and civil servants. Survivors of the Blitz and others with a connection to the subject also tell their own stories. Narrated by James Wilby.’
This 60 minute documentary is available via Learning on Screen subscription (Starts about 5 mins 40 seconds in) https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0169E188?bcast=52709685
This programme includes dramatised presentation from the war-time diary of 18 year old Chelsea art student Joan Wyndham and the letters of 30 year old French-Canadian Yvonne Green who was living in Old Church Street Chelsea, volunteered for the Auxiliary Fire Service, and was killed in the parachute landmine bombing of Chelsea Old Church in April 1941. The extracts from Yvonne Green’s letters and the official mortuary report on her recovered body were presented movingly by her grand daughter.
Sign Zone: The Culture Show: Wars of the Heart. BBC 2 2013. ‘For those who remained in London during the Second World War, the Blitz was a terrifying time of sleeplessness, fear and loss, but some of London’s literary set found inspiration in the danger and intensity. With the threat of death ever present, nerves were tested and affairs began; it was an absolute gift for a writer seeking new material. Presenter James Runcie tells the story of novelists Graham Greene, Henry Green and Elizabeth Bowen, and American poet Hilda Doolittle, who revelled in the creative and personal freedom they discovered even as the bombs rained down. The programme reveals how these writers distilled the surreal and often frightening atmosphere of the time into some of their finest work.’
This 30 minute documentary is available via Learning on Screen subscription https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0627F797?bcast=104723787
Blitz Cities. BBC Two 26th March 2018. 30 minutes. ‘Series marking the 75th anniversary of the Blitz. EastEnders star Shane Richie travels around his home city of London, finding out what it was like to live through possibly the worst attack in Britain’s history. In a moving journey around some of London’s worst-hit areas, he talks to survivors who still remember their horrific experiences vividly. He goes up in a plane to recreate the actual bombing routes taken by the Germans, and he experiences what life was like inside the shelters as the bombs rained down.
Available via Learning on Screen subscription. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0D0B4B9A?bcast=126429602
Swinging into the Blitz: A Culture Show Special. BBC Television Two 19th February 2013. 60 minutes.
‘When a handful of musical immigrants from the Caribbean islands came to Britain in the 1920s and 30s, it was the beginning of both musical and political change. Leslie Thompson, an innovative musician and trumpeter, and Ken ’Snakehips’ Johnson, a brilliant dancer and charismatic band leader, pooled their talents to start the first black British swing band. Clemency Burton-Hill reveals the untold story of the black British swing musicians of the 1930s, whose meteoric rise to fame on London’s high society dance floors was cut short by unexpected tragedy at the height of the Blitz.’
Available via Learning on Screen subscription. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/02F7E5DB?bcast=94011114
Living in the Shadow of World War Two. More 4 series in three parts. Broadcast in 2019.
Daily Bread. 65 minutes. Three-part historical documentary featuring archive material and interviews about everyday life during World War II. As all combatant nations introduce rationing, the commonfolk queue up and scrounge in…
Learning on Screen subscription. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/1413988C?bcast=129757676
Turn That Light Out. 65 minutes. Second of three-part historical documentary featuring archive material and interviews about everyday life during World War II. Civilian casualties start to outnumber military death as a result of bombing…
Learning on Screen subscription. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/141FD5D2?bcast=129804991
Happy Days. 65 minutes. Last of three-part historical documentary featuring archive material and interviews about everyday life during World War II. To maintain the morale of the common folk, radio and cinema came to the fore as…
Learning on Screen subscription. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/142B464C?bcast=129849105
1940: A Reminiscence by J.B. Priestley– two hour television documentary produced by the BBC and first broadcast on BBC Two 12 September 1965. This YouTube version is available (September 7th 2023) and includes a few seconds of footage of British Army Pioneers clearing the debris at Sloane Square Underground Station after the deadly bombing in November 1940. The recording was made from a rebroadcast in 1990.
The Blitz Street Series UK Channel 4 television Series
In this remarkable and expensive series Channel 4 invested in documentary television in 2010 to give viewers the chance to experience life in wartime Britain through reenactments of air raids. It was presented by Tony Robinson. It was later repeated on the Yesterday History Channel in 2018.
A specially built row of terraced houses on a remote military base is subjected to wave after wave of high explosive bombs and incendiaries, similar to those dropped by the Luftwaffe, to illustrate the devastating impact of the bombing campaigns.
Episode One– The first programme focuses on the outbreak of the Blitz in September 1940. The first bombs used against Blitz Street are the SC50 (25kg of TNT) which was the most common bomb dropped on the first day of bombing in London, and the SC500 bombs (250kg of TNT).
Available to subscribers to Learning On Screen
Blitz Street, 01:00 09/06/2018, Yesterday, 60 mins. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0154BFEB?bcast=126862544 (Accessed 09 Sep 2023)
Episode Two– The street is on the receiving end of one of the largest bombs the Luftwaffe ever dropped on Britain: the SC1000. With eye-witness testimonies, the programme also recounts the Luftwaffe’s horrendous bombing of Coventry on 14 November 1940 and the campaign to destroy Britain’s manufacture of munitions.
Blitz Street, 02:00 09/06/2018, Yesterday, 60 mins. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0155C54B?bcast=126862764 (Accessed 09 Sep 2023)
Episode Three– This episode focuses on the summer of 1944, as British hopes for an end to the war were raised by news of the D-Day landings. However, just days later Hitler sent over the first of his new secret Vengeance weapons, the V1, a jet-powered pilotless plane packed with a powerful form of explosive containing RDX. Nicknamed the ‘doodle bug’, the survivors recall the buzzing planes and the terror that came when the engine stopped, because that would mean they were about to fall.
Blitz Street, 19:00 08/05/2010, Channel 4, 60 mins. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0156FE5A?bcast=46259911 (Accessed 09 Sep 2023)
Episode Four–
Blitz Street endures the most powerful bomb of World War II, the massive V2 rocket. This episode also sums up why the Nazi blitz bombing campaign failed, the lessons to be learnt from the experiment, and how the people who lived through the real Blitz faced the nightmare of total war – but came out stronger. The V2 travelled at over 3,500 miles an hour and had a range of over 200 miles. Unlike the other bombs that have been detonated on Blitz Street, the V2 bomb is buried three metres below ground; due to its supersonic speed, by the time the V2 detonated it was well beneath the surface.
Blitz Street, 13:00 26/02/2016, Yesterday, 60 mins. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/0158505A?bcast=121131559 (Accessed 09 Sep 2023)
Britain’s Home Front Put That Light Out! – WWII Documentary Air Raid Precautions Home Front
‘This documentary combines archive Movietone footage and eyewitness accounts to tell the story of those who lived through the Second World War back home in Britain. Included are tales of air raids, evacuation, gas masks and the Home Guard, alongside contemporary news reports on the London and Coventry bombings.’
Special thanks to Karen White and Chris Pain whose families lived in Chelsea during World War Two, and Malachy John McCauley, also brought up in Chelsea, who have very kindly encouraged and assisted my research. Special thanks to Marja Giejgo for editorial assistance. Research and archive facilities from Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council library services, The Imperial War Museum and National Archives at Kew.
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