Parachute mine (Land mine) in Brunswick Gardens, killed a father and his eight-year-old son. Parachute failed to open and bomb exploded on impact, which saved many lives, and prevented further destruction.
The explosion caused a gas main to fracture sending a fifteen-foot flame into night sky. ARP Warden Woods ('Woody' died 1999), tells potential rescuers with a torch, walking up the alley way from Hanover Gardens: 'Put that bloody light out!' The reply is not recorded!
This incident was one that the author survived, grateful that the parachute was faulty!
The properties in Hanover Gardens are mainly terraces of four houses. The blast from the land mine went in between two blocks and severely damaged houses on the other side of the road.
Note the taped up windows, damage to roofs and windows, the temporary lighting column and the wooden gates.
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