As you know we have been discovering a little more about what life was like on Britain’s Home Front in the Second World War. Today I want to tell you about a tragedy that is often forgotten despite it being one of the worst civilian disasters of the war. This is the story of the Bethnal Green Tube shelter disaster. It was not caused by enemy bombs, but by the fear and confusion of an air raid and the desperate search for a safe place to shelter.
During the war, underground stations became much more than just a place to catch a train. In the early days of the war the government was reluctant to encourage people to shelter in Tube stations but that gradually changed as the bombing intensified.
Some officials had been worried that large numbers of people might cause overcrowding, diseases might spread, and there might be panic. Others worried that people might become unwilling to leave the shelter and would not continue normal daily life. Instead, the government promoted home shelters like the Anderson shelter and later on the Morrison shelter. During the early raids, some station entrances were even closed or restricted. But, the heavy bombing of London during the Blitz completely changed peoples attitudes. Many people even ignored the official hesitation and they decided to shelter in Underground stations anyway. They believed the tunnels would offer them greater protection from the bombs. Faced with the fact that people were ignoring the advice not to shelter in the tube, authorities gradually had to accept the fact they would.
Once the government had accepted that many Londoners would continue to shelter underground, they made efforts to improve the conditions. Authorities and transport officials started to introduce better organisation, and wardens helped to manage crowds and to maintain order. Basic toilet and washing facilities were improved, first aid posts were provided in some shelters and canteens even offered drinks and simple food. Wooden bunks and sleeping platforms were introduced in certain stations to make it more bearable. Medical help and welfare support became increasingly available. These improvements didn’t take away the fear or the obvious discomfort, but they helped and also showed that the government understood that civilians needed not just protection from the bombs but also some reassurance and dignity.
Bethnal Green Underground station in East London was one such tube station. Although it had not fully opened as a working station, it was being used as an air-raid shelter. Families came with blankets and they brought small items from home. Shelter life was often crowded, noisy, and uncomfortable but for many people it felt a lot safer than staying above ground during the air raids.
By 1943 the stage of the war had changed. Air raids were still a possibility. Many people had already experienced the destruction and loss, and that fear is what helped to cause what happened on the evening of the 3rd of March 1943.
That night the air-raid siren sounded. A new type of anti-aircraft rocket battery was being fired nearby. There were loud explosions and some were scared that a major raid had started. People rushed to Bethnal Green shelter, there was huge anxiety which spread quickly.
The entrance to the shelter had a long stairway leading down. Everyone moved down together, many were carrying bags and belongings. This was the same routine that they had followed before.
Then disaster hit, and hit hard.
It is believed that a woman carrying a child stumbled near to the lower section of the stairs. People behind her were unable to see clearly in the poorly lit stair well and they still pushed forward and lost their footing. Within seconds people fell against one another, but the crowd behind them continued moving completely unaware of what was happening.
When things became clear, it became chaotic, people were trapped on the staircase, not able to move or breathe. Parents became separated from their children. Those who were able tried desperately to pull people free, as wardens, police and rescue workers rushed frantically to help.
When the tragedy was finally over, the scale of the tragedy became painfully clear.
A total of 173 people tragically lost their lives, including many women and children, dozens more were injured. Entire families were affected. The youngest victim was only five months old, her name was Carol Geary. She was among the 62 children who lost their lives that night.
For a community the shock must have been huge.
During wartime, reporting was limited and the government feared that detailed publicity might damage morale or provide information to the enemy. As a result, many details were not discussed openly at the time. But locally the grief was intense.
Today, memorials and remembrance continue to honour those who lost their lives at Bethnal Green. The disaster reminds us that war affected civilians as well as those sent to serve. Fear could also be dangerous.
Do you think enough attention is given to tragedies like Bethnal Green when we remember the Home Front?
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