´óÏó´«Ã½

This story has been given to me by Dr.Landsman for submission to the Peoples War Website. Dr.Landsman fully understands and agrees to abide by the rules and conditions set by the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

After enduring the V1 flying bombs since June 1944, the V2 rockets arrived late 1944/early 1945.

One day in March 1945, I was in the entrance hall of Tottenham Grammar School (since demolished) at about 1.30 pm, whilst the second sitting of lunch was under way.

Suddenly, the two large, heavy oak doors fell on top of me, knocking me to the ground. I picked myself up, rushed outside, but there was a very thick fog of red dust. I realised later that it was probably dust from house bricks.

I heard a rushing sound, soon diminishing in intensity, which was the characteristic of a V2 rocket; travelling faster than sound, it arrived before one could hear it coming.

Many of the boys had left the premises for a walk to the nearby High Road, but there were casualties. I myself, as a sub-prefect, assembled the boys into their own classrooms and tried to keep some degree of order.

I had by this time telephoned Tottenham Police Station to inform them of the occurrence.

One badly injured boy was lying by the steps leading to the rugby field. I cannot remember his status.

As I turned the corner towards the school frontage, I saw the Headmaster, Mr.H.A.T.Simmonds, speaking to a small group of parents.

Suddenly I heard a wail of anguish ‘My boy, my poor boy !’ which came from a bereaved mother.

All told, some four or five boys were killed out of a school roll of some 500; one,by the name of Burns, had his arm blown off which had a deleterious effect upon his temperament.
Soon after this event the Allied armies overran the launching sites and the indiscriminate attacks upon civilians ceased.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.