Protecting the Transport Network during WWII
"Transport kept London alive" claimed The Times in a 1945 article. So how was the vast network protected in order to keep running? Using original material from the Corporate Archives collections we bring you some of the answers...
During the height of bombing in London, over 18,000 tons of bombs were dropped. Infrastructure was the key target including the London Passenger Transport Board's (LPTB) stations, depots, factories, and railway tracks.
A huge effort was mounted by the organisation to protect these assets and to thereby keep London moving.
Staff Doing a Variety of Tasks to Assist with the War Effort (1939-11-01)TfL Corporate Archives
Staff performed a variety of tasks to help with the war effort
Dispatch riders ensured communications got through no matter the damage
Blackout hoods meant the light from railway signals couldn't be seen overhead
Article on ARP demonstrations at Cricklewood and Northfields (1939-05)TfL Corporate Archives
Squads of staff were trained to deal with high explosive, incendiary and gas bombs, fire-fighting, and decontamination of vehicles in a calm and business-like manner
ARP exercises were conducted to ensure staff were prepared
Staff Doing a Variety of Tasks to Assist with the War Effort (1939-11-01)TfL Corporate Archives
By the outbreak of war, electric floodgates on the Bakerloo line and at Waterloo on the Northern line had been completed. The Northern line between Strand and Kennington, and 24 other stations, had floodgates and watertight doors installed
In view of the danger of gas attack, modifications were made in the ventilating apparatus of the tubes, to lessen the risk of gas being drawn into the system
Griffith House Roof Spotters Mrs Vance and Mrs Clements scan the sky for aerial threats (1941-06)TfL Corporate Archives
Roof spotters were positioned to sound the alarm
Stabler tile showing 55 Broadway, representing London Transport (circa 1938) by Harold Stabler and Carters, Poole PotteryLondon Transport Museum
Inevitably, hits and resultant damage did occur. The LPTB's head office at 55 Broadway suffered more than once
Letter seeking permission for the rebuilding of part of 55 Broadway after it had been hit by a bomb (1940-10-18)TfL Corporate Archives
This report from 18th October 1940 provides details
Commendation for Ernest Fox (1940-12)TfL Corporate Archives
On 27th December 1940, 2 high explosive and 15 incendiary bombs fell on a tram depot. Whilst bombs were still falling, Labourer Ernest Fox climbed onto the roof of the garage and other buildings and made an inspection of the full 300 foot length
On the night of 10th May 1941, 300 bombers were over London. Bombs scored direct hits on the LPTB tube lines at 20 different places. Tunnels were pierced at 4 points and tracks blocked at 9. Tram tracks were damaged on 14 roads and 21 roads were closed.
By William VandivertLIFE Photo Collection
Ct Portland Street Bomb (1940-09-13) by William VandivertLIFE Photo Collection
Trolleybus wire was brought down at 18 places, tramway conduits were damaged at 13 points. 3 bus garages were damaged, 2 seriously. Services still ran, with some diversions and modifications, the next day
London Air Raids (1941-09) by Hans WildLIFE Photo Collection
In all, 249 flying bombs and 75 rockets fell on LPTB properties or so near as to damage them in 1944-1945 alone
Description of Air Raid Protection arrangements for the Griffith House block of offices (1941-08)TfL Corporate Archives
Yet to the LPTB and its staff protecting the network was simply part of "their war job."
Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.
This story has been enhanced using images from the London Transport Museum and Life Photo Collection. All enquiries regarding this material should be made directly to those organisations.
