Comments on: On Saturday 7th September 1940

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 21:30:51 +0000

The memorial unveiled in 2015 states 51 fatalities in this tragic wartime incident. I believe this is correct. One of my family members died in this.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:21:03 +0000

I meant to add, at least that was my understanding. I could be wrong.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:17:43 +0000

Beautiful story, but one serious correction. There were estimated to be 14 killed, not 40 as the article says. However, that number is still significant. There were around 40 injured, but again, not killed.

Thanks so much for sharing this. It amazes me how humanity can persevere despite all odds.

By: Geoff Twist

Geoff Twist — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:33:28 +0000

To those who had ancestors at Columbia Market on 7-8th Sept 1940, it is hoped that a memorial will be in place by the 75th anniversary for details see https://columbiamarketwarmemorial.wordpress.com/ or find details on Faceboohttps://www.facebook.com/groups/251284558258620/k
or Contact the group via THE DORSET CENTRE. DISS ST LONDON E2

By: Caroline

Caroline — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 09:03:45 +0000

In memory of my father’s cousin Florence Rosina Button aged 38, her daughter Doris aged 18 and her son Ronald, aged 8, who all died that night in the Columbia Market shelter.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:30:56 +0000

What a sad but uplifting story. I absolutely adore this website I spent most of this afternoon looking at some enchanting photographs and reading some wonderful stories

By: Ron Higgins

Ron Higgins — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:19:48 +0000

This is the first time I’ve seen this . My mum was in the air-raid shelter in Columbia Road in September 1940 it took a direct hit . Mum lost her right arm my granddad was killed . I never knew my granddad, mum was evacuated to Essex. My two older brothers were in the shelter both had miner wounds mum was pregnant with my sister who was also ok , my sister and another brother and myself were born in Braintree Essex me in1946 in 1949 we moved back to
London Hackney

By: Mark Towersey

Mark Towersey — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 17:16:36 +0000

A truly moving storey,I work occasionally in this area. I will make a point of looking for the gates from the above photographs. Tom it is a life changing storey as you say. Thank you so much for sharing it.

By: David Cantor

David Cantor — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 06:49:20 +0000

Fascinating story, Tom’s feelings of responsibility for his mother are understandable but the guilt is firmly attributable to the war mongers that unleashed the air raids. Tom has kindly added to my understanding of Columbia Buildings. In 1870, my great great grandfather was the lodging superintendent at the Buildings after serving in the Grenadier Guards where he was a Colour Sergeant. He died at the Gatehouse of pneumonia after surviving 21 years in the Army. Angela Coutts provided a pension for his wife and possibly found a job for one of his daughters in service at Buckingham Palace where she worked for several years, I have a few items that were smuggled out under her bustle!
Thank you Tom.

By: John Campbell

John Campbell — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 17:13:50 +0000

A very vivid and moving account of a young boy’s life. Thanks for sharing this, your words bring the whole thing to life.