Ashley Gardens SW1

16 November 1940

By Sarah Allen

At around 1.50am on 16 November 1940, a high explosive bomb struck Thirleby Road SW1, severely damaging Block 10, Ashley Gardens SW1. Ashley Gardens (built 1890-3) is a large redbrick mansion flat development off Victoria Street, close to Westminster Cathedral, bordering Thirleby Road and Francis Street. A bomb crater and debris were reported in Thirleby Road.

The first ARP message was received eight minutes later and stated that “some” casualties were trapped underneath the wreckage. An ambulance and stretcher were ordered, but after investigation no casualties were found. A later message noted a request for ropes and red lamps to section off the debris left by the bomb.

By the end of the enquiry, the precise location of the blast was confirmed at the “middle of street at [the] junction of Thirleby Road and Francis Street." The local water main was broken by blast. Additionally, it was reported that “flat nos. 132-144 and 148 and 159 Ashley Gardens on both corners [were] totally rendered uninhabitable by blast.” The windows of buildings surrounding Ashley Place were also blown out.

The damage to Block 10, Ashley Gardens was completely repaired. One of the flats was later requisitioned and used for meetings regarding the planning of D-Day (the invasion of Normandy in June 1944).