BOMB FALLS IN GROUNDS

Southland Times, Issue 24230, 13 September 1940, Page 5

BOMB FALLS IN GROUNDS

BUCKINGHAM PALACE DAMAGED & STEPS AND BALUSTRADES WRECKED LONDON, September 11.. A delayed action bomb which fell in the grounds of Buckingham Palace exploded in the early hours yesterday. Considerable damage, including hundreds of broken windows, was done to the Palace by the force of the explosion. A bomb fell in the Palace gardens, close to the garden entrance and the Belgian suite, and buried itself in the ground while last night’s raid was in progress. The bomb exploded with terrific force, wrecking the steps and stone balustrades on the north side of the Palace? Among the hundreds of windows shattered were those of the King’s private apartments. Pieces of masonry were thrown completely over the top of the Palace and fell in the inner quadrangle, while other pieces smashed the glass roof of the entrance to the grand hall. The King and Queen were spending the week-end at Windsor when the bomb fell, but when the King returned to London yesterday morning he was told of the occurrence. This morning he and the Queen inspected the crater and also the damaged part of the Palace. The Belgian suite was occupied by King Haakon of Norway. The bomb, believed to have been a 250-pounder, made a crater 10 feet deep by 20 feet wide, forcing up stone slabs in the terrace and breaking up huge columns in the swimming pool building. Broken glass showered the picture gallery, and the Chinese Room was slightly damaged. The King and Queen and the Prime Minister (Mr Winston Churchill) inspected the damage. Workmen were today busy clearing up the debris.

ROOMS IN PALACE DAMAGED EXPLOSION OF FEARFUL FORCE (Received September 12, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, September 11. The bomb explosion at Buckingham Palace was of fearful force. It flung a two-ton piece of Portland stone 20 feet, scattering hundredweight pieces for 300 feet on the Palace roof and also lifting a piece of masonry over the roof into the central courtyard. Eight stone pillars two feet in diameter were broken and three or four pieces flung on one side. A flight of steps and balcony collapsed. Not one pane of glass was left in their Majesties’ apartments. The Queen’s sitting, room on the first floor was damaged; plaster was brought down and the floor covered with glass and debris. Their Majesties’ dressing rooms, bathroom and working rooms were also damaged. A window in the Chinese Chippendale room was shattered and the frame torn out.