Saturday 7th September 1940 — or ‘Black Saturday’ as it came to be known — marked the beginning of the Blitz on London.
George Broadley was officer in charge, Stretcher Parties, West Ham Casualty Service. He was involved in incidents at South Hallsville School Holborn Road and Jersey Road.
He was awarded the George Medal 4th April 1941. The George Medal is the second highest honour for bravery for a civilian. Also shown is his Defence Medal which was awarded for three years service in Great Britain, six months abroad or three months in a mine or bomb-disposal units. (attachment shows reverse of the medals)
Part of Newham Heritage & Archives collection
WAR IN WEST HAM
By Alderman George Blaker
Frederick Road School, bomb damage 31st March 1941.
Photo. Newham Heritage & Archives (Stratford)
Frederick Road School, viewed from Butchers Road, 14th April, 1941.
Photo. Newham Heritage & Archives (Stratford)
Silvertown as seen from a German bomber on 7th September 1940.
Woodgrange Methodist Church damaged by bombing in 1941.
From Newham Heritage & Archive collection (Stratford)
The site of the Princess Alice pub after the bombing in 1941. Surprisingly, only one man out walking his dog, was killed when the bombs hit.
From Newham Heritage & Archives collection. (Stratford)
Destruction of Station canopies at North Woolwich on "Black Saturday".
This is a 1931 Dennis "Big 6" fire engine that served in West Ham till the 1950s.