The last V2 on London
27 March 1945
By Emily Bisbach
In 1927 an apartment complex in honour of Judge Thomas Hughes was built on Vallance Road in Stepney in the East End of London. Over the next 18 years the apartments were home to a diverse group of people. During WWII, this included many Jews fleeing persecution in Europe. On 27 March 1945, the flats were hit by a V2 rocket in what would be one of the last Nazi attacks responsible for civilian deaths (the very last fell later that day in Orpington, Kent and killed one person). This attack, which occurred just one day before the Jewish Passover and a mere seven weeks before the end of the war, killed 134 people. Most were families and children, and 120 of them were Jewish. In terms of lives lost it was the second worst V2 strike on London.
Hitler's V2 Long Range Rockets were deadly. They were fast and silent, giving victims absolutely no reaction time. In an interview to www.schoolhistory.org.uk/EuropeatWar, Ben Glaizner recalled being woken up by his father to go to work, who pointed at his watch for emphasis. The watch read 7.20am. A few moments later, Ben recalled that "...[the bedroom light] suddenly went out and simultaneously there was a flash of blue light.Then nothing." Like Ben and his father, most tenants were likely just waking up for work or still fast asleep.
By this point in the war, London had a swift and efficient rescue operation in place. Light Rescue Squads hurried in to treat those with relatively superficial injuries, while the Heavy Rescue Squad handled the treatment and transportation for those with more serious injuries. At Vallance Road both squads reached the scene quickly to be greeted by a large crater and piles of rubble. Despite their efforts, 134 of Hughes Mansions' tenants were killed. Most deaths were attributed to various injuries from the explosion and its aftermath. Others were reported to have died instantly from asphyxiation caused by the vacuum created by the rocket's descent.
Two five storey blocks of Hughes Mansions were completely destroyed. Today, little trace remains. Instead, a children's playground has been built in the courtyard. Additionally, a commemorative plaque honouring those who died sits near the site.