The start of the V1 bombing campaign was severe blow to morale. At first the government censored any reference to the ‘flying bombs’. On16th June Herbert Morrison announced that London was under attach by pilotless planes. The scale of the destruction was hushed up in order to maintain morale and prevent the Germans from knowing how effective the campaign was. There were strict rules about reporting bombing incidents. There was to be no mention of the name of the road until three months after the incident. Photos of bombed streets had to show an intact building. All identifying signs had to be removed.
Chesterfield Road School was hit by V2 in June 1944. Below is the ARP report:
Date: 27.6.44 Message Time: 12.25 Incident Time: 12.07
Particulars: Damage ‘Fly’ Ordnance Road/Chesterfield Road.
Date: 27.6.44 Message Time: 12.40 Incident Time: 12.07
Particulars: Damage to school/Chesterfield Road.
Date: 27.6.44 Message Time: 12.58 Incident Time: 12.07
Particulars: Further details: – Part of school collapsed (some trapped).
Remarks: Extensive damage at Bradley Road/Preston Road. Casualties: 3 serious.
One of the fatalities was a teacher from the school. The Log Book from the school was found in the rubble after the air raid.
Carpenter Gardens was another place to be hit by a V2. ARP report:
Date: 7.7.44 Message Time: 01.09,01.39,02.17Incident Time: 01.05, 01.09, Particulars: Report ‘Fly’ Highfield Road.
Big incident. Fire Highfield Road/Carpenter Gardens. 765131. Details to follow.
Many casualties-Some trapped. Mutual assistance in operation. School damaged and food shops. Rescue 50 reports. Gas main on fire. Rescue operations still proceeding. Homeless accommodated in rest centre.
Remarks: Killed: 8; Seriously Injured: 10; Slightly injured: 14; Missing: Unknown.
The report makes grim reading.
Enfield at War 