27-28 Grosvenor Street W1

9 October 1940

By Kaitlyn Hanson and James Ramey

On 9 October 1940 (9.05pm) a series of high explosive bombs fell on Grosvenor Street W1, causing extensive damage. The ARP report for the first of these was received at 9.10 pm. One bomb fell at the intersection of Davies Street and Grosvenor Street, resulting in damage to water and gas mains and the demolition of a block of flats (54/54 Grosvenor Street opposite).

A report of a second incident was received at 9.18 pm - for 27 Grosvenor Street. A request was put in for rescue services to be sent. It took the gas and water main repair services over an hour and a half to arrive at the incident scene. Eventually these teams shut off the gas and the water to the demolished building. The fire rescue services were also called after a fire had started in the building and a woman was believed to be trapped on the roof. She was later rescued.

Local water mains were reported as “badly damaged” and the street closed due to debris. At the time of the report, “all (rescue) services” were “on spot with exception of gas (repair teams)”.

On nights when many bomb incidents occurred, London's gas and water main repair services would often be delayed or would be spread thin. Despite these difficulties the gas and water services acted quickly, courageously and efficiently. Many of the crews often worked on repairs of lines and mains during the day and then worked all night to assist with the securing of a bombed area.

Today 27 and 28 Grosvenor Street are still mansion flats and are valued at around £450,000 each.