I have found google Street view is pretty good for seeing how locations of WW2 incidents look like today. Unfortunately a perfect match is not possible as Google's cameras are mounted on top of vehicles, much higher then the 'eye-level' photos from the war. This first comparison is Kenmare Gardens, Edmonton. The bomb was found approx 63 feet down and took 3 months to recover. The Royal Engineers BD Section's officer involved at this incidnt was Lt C.J.R. Connor. He was killed later in the war on 3 August 1944. This is Wickham Road, Brockley in SE London.The bomb was recovered in August 1941. I was hoping to find the old wall with an obvious repair, but it looks like it has been totally replaced. The skylight on the house behind gives away the location. This is Shirley Avenue, Addiscombe, Surrey. The bomb fell in allotments behind the house pictured in 1942. It was dragged some 400 yards to Shirley Ave where the photo was taken. Not all comparisons are successful. Without a house number it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to tell the exact spot where photos were taken. Houses in one street can tend to be of the same basic design and some have been altered considerably since the war. Google street view can still give a researcher a feel for the area though. Bloody useful this internet!
Nice post Chris. You're certainly right about Street View, it is useful in Europe too. It saves huge amounts of time on the ground. Looking at the 'now' photos, I think that it would be a good idea if the Luftwaffe came back and did something about those double-glazed porches (and the crazy paving). I don't suppose there are many untouched 1920s and 1930s houses anymore (Shame !)
