BUCKINGHAM PALACE DAMAGED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21216, 12 September 1940, Page 7

BUCKINGHAM PALACE DAMAGED

EFFECT OF DELAYED-ACTION BOMB TERRIFIC EXPLOSION HUNDREDS OF WINDOWS BROKEN DAMAGE INSPECTED BY KING AND OUEEN (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 12, 11 a.ra.) RUGBY, 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. The bomb fell in the Palace gardens, close to the garden entrance and the Belgian suite (the latter was occupied by King Haakon of Norway), and buried itself in the ground while last night’s raid was in progress. The bomb exploded with terrific force, wrecking steps and stone balustrades on the north side of the Palace. Among the hundreds of windows shattered were those of the private apartments of the King and Queen. 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 Mall. 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 and this morning he and the Queen inspected the crater and also the damaged part of the Palace. The bomb is believed to have been a 250-pounder, and made a crater 10 feet deep by 20 feet wide; forcing up stone slabs on the terrace and breaking the huge columns of the swimming-pool building. Masonry was sent flying into the air, splintered glass fell over the wide green lawns, and small pieces of masonry fell on the roofs. Broken glass showered the picture gallery and the Chinese Room was slightly damaged. Their Majesties and Mr Winston Churchill inspected the damage yesterday. Workmen were today busy clearing up the debris.