1941 Old Palace School bombing facts for kids

The Old Palace School Bombing happened on April 20, 1941. It was a very sad day because it caused the biggest loss of firefighters in the history of the United Kingdom.

During World War II, a time known as The Blitz, the Old Palace School in Poplar, London was being used as a fire station. It was a place where brave firefighters from the Auxiliary Fire Service worked. On that terrible night, 34 firefighters were at the station. Some were from London, and 21 others had come all the way from Beckenham to help their friends in the East End.

Suddenly, a powerful bomb called a parachute mine hit the school. All 34 firefighters, both men and women, were killed. The school was completely destroyed.

Today, the Lansbury Lawrence Primary School stands where the Old Palace School used to be. There is a special plaque on the school grounds to remember the firefighters who lost their lives. It says:

In memory of the 13 London firemen and women and 21 Beckenham firemen killed on the night of 19th April 1941 when a bomb destroyed the old school being used as a sub-fire station. This is the largest single loss of Fire Brigade personnel in English history. Details of this tragic incident were recorded in the wartime diaries of Mr W. Somerville, an off duty member of the Homerton crew. It is to him and the many thousands of men and women that made up the A.F.S. and N.F.S. 1939-1945 that this plaque is also dedicated.

What Was the Blitz?

The Blitz was a time during World War II when Germany bombed many cities in Britain, especially London. It lasted from 1940 to 1941. People had to hide in shelters, and firefighters worked tirelessly to put out fires and rescue people.

Who Were the Auxiliary Fire Service?

The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) was a group of part-time firefighters. They were volunteers who helped the main fire brigades during the war. Many ordinary people, both men and women, joined the AFS to protect their communities from the bombings. They played a very important role in keeping people safe.

Remembering the Heroes

The 34 firefighters who died at the Old Palace School were heroes. They included men and women of different ages, from 17 to 46. They came from various places, showing how people from all over helped during the war. Their names are remembered as a reminder of their bravery and sacrifice.

See also

• Fire services in the United Kingdom
• List of British firefighters killed in the line of duty