An illustrated talk by HUGH MACDONALD-BUCHANAN
6pm at Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road
The Luftwaffe commenced its assault on the British mainland in 1940 following the fall of France. The targets included industrial cites, ports, and even cultural locations across the nation, but London was always the principal target. Here the focus was upon the East End and Westminster, but Chelsea, being not far from the epicentre and close to the Thames that helped guide the bombers, did not escape.
Some members of The Chelsea Society may recall the ravaged landscape which showed open wounds well into the 1970s before the building boom finally covered the bomb-sites. Today, it is still possible to trace the damage by looking at the modern development. During the Blitz there were many tales of the resilience and bravery of residents, and of the Civil Defence force which formed a new civilian front line army.
The talk will take some 40 minutes, and will set the context of the Luftwaffe’s campaign before looking in closer detail at the impact on Chelsea. There will be about 20 minutes for questions.
Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan
After graduating from University College London, he spent 25 years in the finance sector in the City. He has a deep interest in history, and in 2006 was named Blue Badge Guide of the Year. He has specialised in leading military history tours at home and abroad, including the Napoleonic Wars; WW1 and the Western Front; WW2 and the Fall Of France, Dunkirk, and the D-Day Landings and the operations of the SOE. Before leaving London, he lived in Neville Street just opposite the Brompton Hospital.
Tickets £15 per person to include Wine & Canapés. Available from the Box Office of the Cadogan Hall, 3 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ in person, or by post with cheque payable to Cadogan Hall, or by phone 0207-730-4500 (booking not available online). A charge is made by Cadogan Hall for card payments. The meeting is open to members and their guests, but non-members who wish to attend can join the Society beforehand by visiting “Join Us” on our website.
