Buckingham Palace, a globally recognized landmark, draws crowds of tourists daily. However, its history includes a period of significant danger. During the height of the Blitz in 1940, the Palace was targeted in a bombing raid.
On September 13, 1940, six bombs struck the Palace, impacting the forecourt, quadrangle, Chapel, and garden. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were present at the time. They chose to remain at Buckingham Palace rather than seek refuge at Windsor Castle, where their daughters, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret, were staying.
The 1940 bombing caused considerable damage to Buckingham Palace, though fortunately, no members of the royal family sustained fatal injuries. Queen Elizabeth is reported to have viewed the event positively, expressing solidarity with the East End in a letter to her mother-in-law, Queen Mary.
King George VI documented the bombing in his diary. He described hearing an aircraft and seeing bombs fall near the Palace. He recounted the rapid sequence of events, noting the dropping of six bombs across the grounds.
Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, described the calm atmosphere during the bombing. In a letter to Queen Mary, she detailed the sound of the approaching plane and the subsequent explosions. She mentioned the quick reaction of everyone, including their immediate move away from the windows. She also highlighted the remarkable composure of those present as they sought shelter.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
I find this an important record of history, and a powerful story.
Coccinella
What a remarkable level of composure under such extreme circumstances.
ZmeeLove
It is so courageous that they chose to stay at the Palace.
Habibi
I bet the staff were the ones who really suffered.
Eric Cartman
It must have been terrifying. Glad they survived!