40 Dover Street W1

19 September 1940

By James Ramey

On 19 September 1940 at 10:30pm police from the West End Central Police Station (Savile Row) responded to reports of a high explosive bomb dropped on 39 and 40 Dover Street W1. Parts of No 40 - an 18th century townhouse - were completely demolished and four people were reported trapped under the wreckage. The Heavy Rescue Service was soon on scene and began its rescue. An ambulance and medical crews were also called to the incident.

By 12.14am (20 September) ARP wardens had reported two fatalities, two injured and one person suffering from shock. The police blocked off every road leading into Dover Street except for Hay Hill and Piccadilly.

The Dover Street incident occurred shortly after the night raid of 17-18 September 1940. In this attack bombs had fallen across the West End, killing 90 people and injuring 300 others. The casualties from these incidents were driven away by ambulance to local hospitals and First Aid posts. The ambulances were often converted lorries. Their attendants were usually women, from all walks of life, due to the shortage of men. It was a hazardous business that required courage and steady nerves.

“Practically, this involved driving through any bombing - perhaps in one of those ear splitting concentrated moments when the German planes seemed to have settled on one spot and no other- and then waiting out in the open while the casualties were being extricated” (The Blitz : Westminster at War, William Sansom, 1947).

Today 40 Dover Street is the home of The Arts Club (founded 1863). Arts Club membership is reserved for those who advance the field of art, literature and science through profession or patronage.