BETHNAL GREEN UNDERGROUND DISASTER 3rd March 1943

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by STAN50, Feb 23, 2010.

  1. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    May I draw members attention to the approaching anniversary of the above tragedy in East London.

    On that night civilians were going down into the relative safety of the tube when there was a panic caused by someone mistaking ack ack being tested nearby as bombs coming down from German aircraft. This resulted in people pushing and shoving to get into the underground. As a result 173 people suffocated on top of each other - men women and children. At the time it was the worst accident in London during the War.

    There is an ongoing project to establish a decent memorial to the dead at Bethnal Green Underground station. Next week there will be a sort of read through play about what happened all those years ago which will be open to the public. This is being held at Bethnal Green library - but you would have to book should you want to attend. This will be the actual date the tragedy occurred. On the Sunday there will be a memorial service held at St. John on Bethnal Green church (Sunday 7th). The actress Barbara Windsor is expected to attend and lay a wreath at the underground station.


    More dates for the 'read through play' will be on the 11 - 13th March held at the Network Theatre Waterloo.

    More information can be obtained from this website:

    Introduction and if you look at the appeals / donations page there is a contact number for Alf Morris one of the survivors of the tragedy.

    My interest with this comes from that I had a grandfather who served in the Home Guard and he was detailed to untangle and remove all the dead from the staircase that night.

    There is a small memorial plaque at the underground station but the concept is to establish something much more substantial.

    Thanks for reading.
     
  2. At Home Dad (Returning)

    At Home Dad (Returning) Well-Known Member

    It's pretty congested around there, so presumably the memorial will have to go in the park?

    Personally, I think the small dignified memorial plaque in honour of their memory is enough, rather than an odd looking inverted staircase costing £650,000 (!!) which will merely be used as an umbrella by the wino's of Cambridge Heath Road.

    Good luck with your efforts though
     
    Lindele likes this.
  3. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Stan50

    Thanks for the reminder

    I was in the Forces at the time in question but remember writing about it on 14/10/08 as follows:

    Niccar et al
    As you correctly stated, I was born & bred in the Bethnal Green Road area and I certainly remember being told by my friends about the horrific Tube Station disaster of March 3rd, 1943:
    BBC NEWS | England | London | Fatal wartime Tube crush marked
    I had just returned to London for embarkation leave (prior to being posted to North Africa) and had visited my old boys club to say goodbye to some of my friends, one of whom had actually survived the disaster.
    As you will read from reports made at the time the whole thing was hushed up because of its likely efffect on civilian moral and the comfort that it would supply to our enemies.
    Cheers
    Ron
     
  4. geoff501

    geoff501 Achtung Feind hört mit

    Stan50
    Thanks for the reminder


    Yes thanks.
    I remember searching for these casualties some time ago, but the search engine is only returning twelve today. Is it broken? Who is responsible? I'll have to check my data. Gremlins somewhere, unless I've forgotten how to use it.
     
  5. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    Geoff, the CWGC site was temperamental yesterday.
    It records 201 Civilian War Dead for that date, I haven't checked every entry, but all I did as a random sample are Bethnal Green, Metropolitan Borough as Reporting Authority.
    The link provided by Stan50 to the Stairway to Heaven Memorial lists 172 dead.
    There may well have been some deaths in subsequent days....
    Edit: Further refining on "Tube" produces 171, so perhaps one died later...
     
  6. geoff501

    geoff501 Achtung Feind hört mit

    Geoff, the CWGC site was temperamental yesterday.
    It records 201 Civilian War Dead for that date, I haven't checked every entry, but all I did as a random sample are Bethnal Green, Metropolitan Borough as Reporting Authority.
    The link provided by Stan50 to the Stairway to Heaven Memorial lists 172 dead.
    There may well have been some deaths in subsequent days....
    Edit: Further refining on "Tube" produces 171, so perhaps one died later...

    Kevin,

    There are 171 of these casualties in my database, so I'm not sure why the search engine only reported 12 for me today!

    There are at least 7 in Stepney, Metropolitan Borough, but I only searched on date + Civilain + "Bethnal" + "Tube"
    They all have this info so I'm puzzled why it did not work.

    I don't think I found the missing two last time I looked at this, 173 is the reported total in some places.

    geoff
     
  7. AndyBaldEagle

    AndyBaldEagle Very Senior Member

    I see the small commemorative plaque everyday on my way home, I work just around the corner, I think there is still a trace of last years commemorations there on the railings.
    I have not seen anything which says anything is going to happen on the 3rd itseld, and unfortunately we have an office meeting all day down near Canary Wharf!
    If I see anything I will post it!

    Andy
     
  8. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    Details of what is happening from contacts with Alf Morris on their website
    Introduction - go to Appeals/ donation heading on the left hand options and scroll down to bottom for phone number and address.

    Or contact Sandra Scotting Hon. Secretary by e-mail: sandra.s6@btinternet.com for updated information.

    The relatives / families are seeing the play in the afternoon on the 3rd March then at 6pm there is a public showing.

    The church service on the 7th March is at 2pm. I think floral tributes are laid after the service but some people lay them beforehand as well.


    YouTube - BETHNAL GREEN - 1943 Tube Disaster Remembered


    YouTube - Bethnal Green Bombing


    YouTube - Bethnal Green Tube Disaster Memorial
     
    CL1 likes this.
  9. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    Earlier today I went to a book launch in Brick Lane in London.
    Here at East Side Books the author, a young American, signed copies of his book. He came to live in Bethnal Green marrying someone who has lived in the area for fifteen years who told him about this tragedy. He made a small video about it then from this the book grew.

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/002-1.jpg

    It is published by The Doppler Press, Brentwood, Essex.
    ISBN 978-0-9506258-7-4 Priced £9.99

    I've only just started reading this but already it's clear that it is a fairly comprehensive account of what happened to individuals on that night.

    There was a small gathering of interested people at this book shop and a few of the survivers as well. Two women briefly spoke about their experiences and both were still visibly upset at talking about this all these years later. One lady said she never knew until she was much older that her real mother had died on that night. Very moving stuff.

    Anyway, on the anniversary of the tragedy there will be a feature on the TV's 'The One Show' which will be this forth coming Weds 3rd March.
     
  10. airborne medic

    airborne medic Very Senior Member

    Thanks for the info....will look out for the TV show...more info in the After the Battle Blitz books and also that publication mentions a TV programme made many years ago about it......would it be on Youtube or only ever shown once?
     
  11. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    Kevin,

    There are 171 of these casualties in my database, so I'm not sure why the search engine only reported 12 for me today!

    There are at least 7 in Stepney, Metropolitan Borough, but I only searched on date + Civilain + "Bethnal" + "Tube"
    They all have this info so I'm puzzled why it did not work.

    I don't think I found the missing two last time I looked at this, 173 is the reported total in some places.

    geoff

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Just had it confirmed that there were 173 BID (brought in dead) and the Stairway To Heaven Memorial Trust apologise that the records have not been updated to that effect.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
  12. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    Thanks for the info....will look out for the TV show...more info in the After the Battle Blitz books and also that publication mentions a TV programme made many years ago about it......would it be on Youtube or only ever shown once?

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Information back from The Stairway To Heaven Memorial Trust: They think you are referring to a programme called 'It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow' which was made in the 70's as a black and white film on ATV by Bernard Kops.

    If this is what you are referring to it was a 'one off.' They have been trying to persuade ITV who now own half of the rights to allow them to make copies. But they want royalties for using this and they have not followed this up any further at the moment. Two young actresses Linda Robson from 'Birds Of A Feather' and the one who played Casaandra in 'Only Fools And Horses' were in it.
     
  13. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

  14. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

  15. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    Just a bit of an update. The Play on Wednesday was successful and for anyone who wanted to see it the dates for the next showings are still going ahead at the Network theatre at Waterloo in London: 11th - 13th March:
    Network Theatre. The play is called 'A Long Night In London.'

    The memorial service at St.Johns church opposite Bethnal Green Underground is still schedueled for 1400 this Sunday. Anyone can come to the memorial service both at the church and at the Underground. There will be refreshments at the church. The author of the recently published book 'The Bethnal Green Tube Shelter Disaster of 1943' - Sean Dettman will be there and signing copies of this. After this copies of the book can be obtained from W.English and Sons 464a Bethnal Green Road one week later.

    BBC London's morning show with Leslie Joseph will feature some live coverage from the church showing people preparing for the service. This is broadcast between 9am and noon. The slot concerned with this will occur between 1045 - 1125.

    The feature about the disaster on 'The One Show' is available to watch for the next four days on BBC i player. (Shame it didn't say much about the memorial plans in my opinion).

    I hope to post some pictures from Sundays commemoration if I get there.
     
  16. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    The Pearly Kings and Queens lining up on the steps of St.Johns church with Barbara Windsor before the service.

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/001-1.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/006.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/009.jpg

    The Pearly Kings and Queens entering the service

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/013.jpg

    Coming out of the church after the service - note the NFS re enactors forming a Guard of Honour. The chap with the flag was from The Civil Defence Association who were able to provide information about the victims - their last known address age and next of kin. The two men in green uniform were from the London Ambulance Service.

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/036.jpg

    Crossing the road to the underground for the flower laying - Barbara Windsor in bottom left of picture.

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/039.jpg

    Barbara Windsor with her floral offering at the top of the underground stairacse

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/045-1.jpg

    A blue sky and some sunshine for a change

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/087.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/054.jpg

    Survivor Alf Morris lays his flowers on the railings

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/057.jpg

    This little girl is about to release some white doves - I wasn't quick enough to capture them taking off

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/060.jpg

    General pictures of the foral tributes on the railings

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/067.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/068.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/070.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/072.jpg

    The chap on the left lost a sister and brother

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/074.jpg

    General picture of someone studying the messages

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/084.jpg

    The staircase where it all happened

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/089.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/092-1.jpg

    Alf Morris being interviewed by the media at the top of the staircase.

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/095.jpg

    St.Johns church

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/103.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/102.jpg

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/105.jpg

    Author Sean Dettman signing copies of his book. The person on the right is a member of the Stairway To Heaven Memorial Trust manning their stall with bits and pieces for sale.

    http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv101/STANF09/112.jpg

    It was an interesting service during which all the names of the 173 people that lost their lives were read out. I'm glad I made the journey from Colchester - it was worth it.
     
    dbf likes this.
  17. Lofty1

    Lofty1 Senior Member

    Hi Chris, looks like you had a good day.thank you for your input on this awfull disaster
    the picures are great,it was a very moving day for quite a number of people. Thank you. LOFTY
     
  18. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

  19. STAN50

    STAN50 Senior Member

    As I recieve information about the Bethnal Green Underground Memorial and the fund raising activities they hold I thought I'd put an update on here. There will be a rare opportinity to see the 1970's film 'It's Lovely Day Tomorrow' on Saturday. Details below.

    ATB

    Stan50.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Subject: Bg tube disaster February news


    Hi everyone,

    If you haven't already booked your tickets for the play about the disaster
    that will be performed this week at Oxford House Theatre (just off Bethnal
    Green Road, near KFC) please do so or let me know as soon as possible.
    Whilst I know that a lot of you don't like going out in the evening and will
    be attending the matinee performance, if there are any that could attend the
    Friday evening and give Derek Spicer a hand I would appreciate it.
    Unfortunately I am unable to be there on Friday night now and he needs some
    help with the tea, coffee & cakes at the bar before and after the play, so
    if anyone is available that evening could you please let me know?

    I list full details below about the play and all the other events coming up.

    Thanks
    Sandra
    ARTS AUCTION 17th MAY
    We are planning an arts auction on Tuesday 17th May from 6pm to 8pm at Rich
    Mix at the top (Shoreditch end) of Bethnal Green Road. We need donated works
    of art of all kinds to auction in aid of our charity. If you know any
    artists please let me have their details or ask them to contact me. If you
    have pledged to donate a work of art please get in touch so we can collect
    it. If you would like to come along and bid for some of the items please
    feel free to just turn up, or let one of us know. We need to make this a
    bumper auction so please help us make this big push to raise a reasonable
    amount of money. Many thanks.

    PLEASE COME ALONG TO SEE THE PLAY OR THE FILM - OR BOTH!!

    Thursday-Saturday 17th-19th February 2011 - 'A long Night in London' Mark 2
    - the brilliant play about the Bethnal Green tube disaster by Bernie C.
    Byrnes will be performed at Oxford House Theatre, just off Bethnal Green
    Road, past KFC. The evening performances are at 8pm with a matinee
    performance on 19th at 2pm. Tickets in advance £8 for adults or £5 for
    concessions. Tickets can be ordered from ticketsource.co.uk. Alternatively
    pay on the door £10.

    Please support this brilliant play. All the actors are giving their time
    freely, so make sure they are playing to packed audiences. We particularly
    need more people to come to the evening performances. It's all in aid of our
    charity and refreshments will be available.

    Saturday 19th February
    There will be a private showing of the black and white film 'It's a Lovely
    Day Tomorrow' by Bernard Kops. The film was shown on TV in the 1970's and
    some of the children are now stars in their own right, such as Gwyneth
    Strong ('Cassie' in Only Fools & Horses) and Linda Robson ('Birds of a
    Feather'). It will be shown at the Oxford House Theatre at 4pm (between the
    matinee and evening performance of the above play) and lasts for about an
    hour. The author will introduce it. Entry is by donation only. This may be
    the last time you will ever get the chance to see it, so don't miss it. It's
    powerful stuff and also shows what life was like for East Enders during the
    War.

    Sunday 6th March 2011 - our Commemoration Service for the 68th anniversary
    of the Bethnal Green tube disaster will take place at St. John on Bethnal
    Green Church (next door to the tube station) at 2pm. There will be a
    blessing at the top of the stairs where everyone died and relatives and
    survivors are encouraged to lay flowers or wreaths to their loved ones.
    Refreshments will be available after the Service inside the church and there
    will be an exhibition of articles, photographs and other information about
    the Bethnal Green tube disaster. Our patron Tommy Walsh will be there and
    the names of all those who died will be read out. All are welcome. Please
    let us show the TV cameras that this memorial is still needed by packing the
    church out so bring your friends and family along.

    Friday 25th March
    Abba tribute evening at West Ham Supporter Club, Castle Street, London E13,
    (next road to West Ham United FC), 6.30pm for 7pm in aid of our charity.
    Tickets in advance only £5 including fish & chip supper. Pay Bar available.
    To book tickets phone 020 44722743 or book at info@newcity.newham.sch.uk.
    Book early to avoid disappointment.

    Saturday 2nd April
    Fun Race Night, IRDSA Hall, Craven Gardens, Barkingside. Next door to the
    large car park and a few minutes walk from Fairlop underground station. 7pm
    for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10 to include chicken or fish & chips. Children
    £5. Please bring your own drink and glasses. Bets will be in units of 50p.
    Please book your tickets and menu by e-mail -
    info@stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org or phone Derek Spicer on 07722 162 168 by
    26th March at the latest.

    Saturday 5th February
    Jessica Goyder's wonderful concert at St. John on Bethnal Green Church was
    very enjoyable. Unfortunately I could not be there, but everyone I have
    heard from said what a lovely evening it was. The music was haunting and
    the whole atmosphere in the church was brilliant and very entertaining.
    Jessica has a beautiful voice and one of our supporters said how nice it was
    to be able to hear all the words for a change. Jessica and the Pocketwatch
    trio all worked very hard to make it such an enjoyable evening and we would
    like to thank them all very much for all they did for us. The entry
    donations raised £407 for the charity which really delighted us, so we are
    extremely grateful to everyone that came along and particularly for all the
    artists who gave their time freely. It was a wonderful evening and I'm
    gutted that I could not be there.
    Sandra Scotting (Hon. Sec)

    IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION PLEASE PHONE DEREK SPICER ON 07722 162 168 OR
    078 28 197 236 OR E-MAIL SANDRA - info@stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org or ring
    077324 60 444

    I look forward to seeing some of you at one or other of the above events.
    Regards

    Sandra Scotting
    Hon. Sec.
    Stairway to Heaven Memorial Trust
    Registered Charity number 1118618
    www.stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org




    Sandra Scotting
    Hon. Sec.
    Stairway to Heaven Memorial Trust
    Registered Charity number 1118618
    www.stairwaytoheavenmemorial.org
     
  20. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

    I remember watching 'It's Lovely Day Tomorrow', I couldn't believe that it happened, I was at the time in my early/mid teens and hadn't known of the incident.

    I watched it with my Dad.
     

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